Puerto Rico Police Department, Puerto Rico
End of Watch Thursday, October 9, 1997
Add to My HeroesGeraldo A. Santiago-Vazquez
Officer Geraldo Santiago-Vazquez was killed while attempting to arrest a robbery suspect in Aibonito, Puerto Rico.
Officer Santiago-Vazquez responded to a call of a robbery just committed in the neighboring town of Barranquitas, and caught up with a suspect matching the description. The suspect, who turned out to be an escaped fugitive, gained control of Officer Santiago-Vazquez's service weapon in the middle of a struggle and shot him once in the chest, killing him instantly. In the same incident, Agent Dixon Matos-Colon was also killed later in the day, but not before shooting the suspect and injuring him. He was charged with two counts of first degree murder, assault, robbery, illegal weapon and escaping prison.
Officer Geraldo Santiago-Vazquez served the Puerto Rico Police Department for 11 years, and was assigned to the Aibonito District.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour 11 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsAgent Santiago-Vazquez,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Puerto Rico. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
October 9, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Jonathan Diller
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: March 25, 2024
Patrolman Justin Hare
New Mexico State Police, NM
EOW: March 15, 2024
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello
Genesee County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: March 10, 2024
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: March 8, 2024
Trooper Christopher M. Gadd
Washington State Patrol, WA
EOW: March 2, 2024
Officer Cody Allen
Independence Police Department, MO
EOW: February 29, 2024
Police Officer Wisbens Antoine
Knoxville Police Department, TN
EOW: February 25, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Charles Rivette
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 21, 2024
Trooper First Class Chase Winston Redner
Georgia State Patrol, GA
EOW: February 20, 2024