San Diego Police Department, California
End of Watch Sunday, March 31, 1985
Add to My HeroesThomas Edward Riggs
Agent Thomas Riggs was shot and killed following a vehicle pursuit that ended in the driveway of 6564 Brooklyn Avenue.
One of the subjects in the vehicle was able to gain control of another officer's handgun. The suspect shot and paralyzed the other officer before shooting Agent Riggs in the stomach, severing an artery.
The suspect then shot a civilian ride along before stealing one of the police cars and running over the second officer. The suspect was eventually caught but acquitted of all major charges and has since been arrested several times for violent crimes. In July 2002 the suspect committed suicide.
Agent Riggs had served with the San Diego Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and son.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 5 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Acquitted of all major charges
Most Recent Reflection
View all 35 ReflectionsI went to high school with Tom and worked at the Black Angus in Chula Vista while we were taking criminal justice classes at Southwestern College. Tom went to SDPD while I went to the LAPD. I was working morning watch when I learned of Tom's death. I was heart broken and still am. Tom and his family is continually on my mind. I was later devastated learning the suspect was acquitted of all charges wondering how a jury could come to such a decision to acquit. Tom was taken way to early in his life. He was a wonderful person and he is missed. Love and prayers go out to Tom and his entire family.
Former police officer. Dana Hansen
LAPD. Friend
July 16, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024