Officer Patrick Kent Hardesty, Tucson Police Department, Arizona

Officer Patrick Kent Hardesty

Tucson Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Monday, May 26, 2003

Patrick Kent Hardesty

Officer Patrick Hardesty was shot and killed while investigating a hit-and-run traffic accident at the intersection of Fort Lowell Road and Park Avenue.

Shortly after arriving at the scene, Officer Hardesty located a suspect and a struggle ensued in which Officer Hardesty was shot five times and fatally wounded. Officer Hardesty was taken by ambulance to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. Responding officers apprehended the suspect after a short foot pursuit. The suspect was found guilty of first-degree murder on February 25th, 2005, and was sentenced to death on March 10th, 2005.

Officer Hardesty was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He had been with the Tucson Police Department as a reserve officer for 11 years, and as a full-time officer for 19 months. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents, two sisters, and a brother.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 13 years
Badge 31432
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to Death

accident scene

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Most Recent Reflection

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I was a young Marine 2dLt who served with Ken at MP Battalion Camp Pendleton in 1991 and I remember his enthusiasm to serve and protect. Today I'm a retired LtCol and I'm passing thorough Tucson and decided to Google him as I'm awaiting my flight - I'm deeply saddened by the loss of this fine American. May he rest in peace.

Christian Veeris
USMC

March 29, 2018