Police Officer Horst Harold Woods, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, U.S. Government

Police Officer Horst Harold Woods

United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, January 10, 1996

Horst Harold Woods

Police Officer Horst Woods was shot and killed while approaching a man who was kneeling down beside his patrol car at the New Mexico VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

As Officer Woods approached the man from the opposite side of the vehicle, the man stood up. The two exchanged words and then the man raised his left arm and shot at Officer Woods. As Officer Woods turned away, he was struck once in the back of the head.

The man then kept responding officers and rescue personnel from reaching Officer Woods. After a 20-minute standoff, the man surrendered to members of United States Air Force Security Police. The man was found with two extra fully loaded magazines, an 18-inch bowie knife, and a long-barreled Derringer loaded with two shotgun shells.

Officer Woods was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Department for eight months. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 46
Tour 8 months
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location New Mexico
Weapon Handgun
Offender Arrested

ambush, suspicious person

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Most Recent Reflection

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You served this nation in two capacities, first in the U.S. Navy and then helping to protect those who served with you. You showed more loyalty to the United States than yourself and you should be Blessed by God for that alone.

Brother, you proved yourself a true hero and I wish you had been around for many years after; to be able to retire peacefully. But, since you went above and beyond, that did not happen so I pray you are resting peacefully with God in Heaven. I am sure you are.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

January 10, 2016