Investigator Hugo Fernando Arango

Hugo Fernando Arango

Investigator Hugo Arango was shot and killed while questioning two individuals who were suspected of breaking into vehicles in a nightclub parking lot.

Investigator Arango, who was in uniform, was flagged down by a club patron and asked to check on the two who had been seen around several cars in the parking lot. As Investigator Arango was searching one of the suspects, he located a handgun on the suspect and a struggle ensued.

The suspect fired the weapon, striking Investigator Arango in the leg and club manager in the jaw. The suspect then shot Investigator Arango again, with the bullet striking his badge. As the officer laid there, he was shot in the head execution style, which killed him. The two suspects fled the scene, but one of them left his wallet behind. He was arrested five days later after a manhunt involving over 500 officers.

The suspect was charged with capital murder. On June 25, 2003, he was sentenced to life in prison. He will be eligible for parole after 32 years.

Investigator Arango had been a member of the Doraville Police Department for six years, and is survived by his parents and three sisters.