United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Government
End of Watch: Friday, February 5, 1988
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 5, 1988
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Special Agent Montoya and Special Agent Paul Seema were shot and killed while conducting an undercover narcotics purchase in Pasadena, California.
They had accompanied one of the dealers to the 1400 block of South Marengo Avenue with the intent of purchasing $90,000 worth of heroin. Once they arrived at the location the subject demanded the cash as another car pulled up alongside their vehicle. As Special Agent Seema handed the cash to him the man shot him in the head. A subject exited the other car and shot Special Agent Montoya in the head. A third agent who was with them returned fire as the men fled in the other car.
Other agents pursued the vehicle and engaged the subjects in a shootout after the car crashed on Monterey Road in San Marino. Two of the suspects were killed and a third was arrested. Several suspects who fled in a separate car were also arrested.
Agent Montoya had been with the DEA for one year and had previously served with the United States Border Patrol for eight years. He was survived by his parents.