New Mexico State Police, New Mexico
End of Watch: Thursday, April 17, 1980
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 17, 1980
Weapon Used: Handgun; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 13 years
Patrolman Richard Gomez was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for drunk driving one mile west of Coyote, New Mexico.
During the arrest, the suspect pulled out a .22 caliber handgun and shot Patrolman Gomez in the left shoulder, severing a major artery. The suspect remained at the scene and surrendered without incident.
The 60-year-old suspect was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years in prison on February 21st, 1981.
Patrolman Gomez was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served in law enforcement for ten years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son.