Houston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Thursday, March 25, 2004
Add to My HeroesFrank Manuel Cantu, Jr.
Officer Frank Cantu was killed when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver at the intersection of Dunlavy and West Gray Streets at 0220 hours.
The car driven by the drunk driver entered the intersection at a high rate of speed. The patrol car was struck on the rear, and left quarter panel, causing it to go airborne and land 40 feet away. Officer Cantu was extricated from the patrol car and transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital where he died a short time later.
The drunk driver refused to take a sobriety test and was charged with intoxicated manslaughter.
Officer Cantu had served with the Houston Police Department for 19 years. He is survived by his mother, father, brother, and sister.
Bio
- Age 43
- Tour 19 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Charged with manslaughter
Most Recent Reflection
View all 160 ReflectionsI went to high school in Sacramento California with Officer Cantu. I met with him during a Sacramento Kings basketball game in the 90s. He invited to move to Houston to become an officer with the department. My condolences to his family. I am a Forensic Counselor having worked with the Virginia Departments of Juvenile Justice & Corrections. I am now working as a psychologist with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services working with court-ordered patients for Restoration. Rest in peace Frank.
Counselor Frank Carrillo
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services
July 13, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Sergeant Michael Moran
Cortez Police Department, CO
EOW: November 29, 2023

Detective James Michael Lett
Benton Police Department, AR
EOW: November 8, 2023

Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: November 14, 2023

Correctional Officer III Jovian Motley
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: November 13, 2023

Sergeant Jon Arden Jenson
Fort Worth Police Department, TX
EOW: October 28, 2023

Senior Police Officer Jorge Pastore
Austin Police Department, TX
EOW: November 11, 2023

Correctional Officer I Kelly Bernard Rolando
Missouri Department of Corrections, MO
EOW: October 22, 2023

Chief of Police Frank Hayes, Jr.
Goodland Police Department, KS
EOW: August 30, 2023

Lieutenant Milton Resendez
San Benito Police Department, TX
EOW: October 17, 2023