Boulder Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch: Sunday, August 26, 1973
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 25, 1973
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 12 gauge
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 40 years
Officer Gary Mills was shot and killed as he and another officer were leaving the scene of a domestic disturbance call in a local trailer park.
A man with no connection to the initial call came out of a nearby trailer and opened fire with a 12-gauge shotgun, striking Officer Mills in the back. A reserve officer with Officer Mills returned fire and wounded the suspect before arresting him. Officer Mills was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds while in surgery.
On April 2, 1974, the suspect, 25, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 40 years.
Officer Mills was survived by his wife.