Grand Prairie Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Friday, June 18, 2004
Add to My HeroesGregory Lei Hunter
Sergeant Gregory Hunter was shot and killed while he and another officer investigated a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the Walmart on the I-20 Frontage Road.
Store employees had called police after noticing that a van had been parked in the parking lot all night long with its engine running. When the first officer arrived, he found all doors locked with no response from anyone inside the van. The officer requested his supervisor, Sergeant Greg Hunter, respond to the scene to approve unlocking the van to check on the welfare of any occupants. Sergeant Hunter and the officer made contact with the suspect, who gave Sergeant Hunter a false name and became increasingly evasive.
The other officer went to the passenger doors to block a possible escape route. At this time, the suspect suddenly opened fire with a .45 caliber handgun, fatally wounding Sergeant Hunter. The other officer immediately went around to Sergeant Hunter's location and called for assistance.
The subject then began firing at that officer, striking him twice in areas not protected by his vest. Despite being wounded, the officer was able to return fire and killed the suspect.
During the ensuing investigation, the United States Bureau of Tobacco, Alcohol, Firearms, and Explosives discovered in the van an SKS rifle, two handguns, a fused pipe bomb, a cache of ammunition and components from a partially assembled bomb. The suspect was determined to be the subject of a domestic restraining order and was prohibited by state and federal law from possessing any firearms. Additionally, he was a fugitive from justice and was awaiting trial in Kansas for narcotic and alcohol violations, criminal possession of a weapon, obstruction of legal process and criminal possession of tear gas.
Sergeant Hunter had served with the Grand Prairie Police Department for 29 years, 4 months and 9 days. He is survived by his wife, daughter, mother, sister, and aunt.
Bio
- Age 54
- Tour 29 years
- Badge 086
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 498 ReflectionsToday was 20 years since you’ve been gone. I remember I have always dreaded any number of years after 14, because it meant I would have lived longer without you than with you. Some days it feels like it hasn’t been that long at all and other days it feels like forever in waiting to see you again.
I know you had looked forward to so many life events and goals, and I wish they could have all come true. That hurts. However, I strongly believe from the way you have touched our family and so many others, that you knew your calling and fulfilled it extraordinarily.
So much has changed in the world.
You would be amazed at the growth of Grand Prairie, the beautiful building the GPPD had moved into years after your passing. You would also be amazed at Mom’s continued perseverance and strength. But maybe you wouldn’t be surprised because you already knew what an incredible woman she is. I wish I could invite you over to the house (now that I’m a big girl, all grown up) for dinner and to watch a movie or basketball game. I’m sure we would pick out scriptures to reflect on before your drive home.
There are many people who continue to remember you and come out to your memorial site every year on the anniversary of your end of watch. Though it is a sorrowful time, it is beautiful and comforting to see everyone coming together honoring you and the wonderful husband, father, uncle, friend, and law enforcement officer/sergeant you were. I pray you are never forgotten.
I still cannot figure out how you were all things to all people all the time and still had energy and a positive attitude at the end of each day. I plan to ask you one day when that time comes. You are truly special and I am blessed for my time with you. I am glad you no longer have the injuries from that fateful day. Just maybe you are learning answers to questions we would reflect on about God, Heaven, and angels or maybe even whistling to beautiful music up there. I love you and miss you so much Daddy.
Until we meet again,
Your “Button Eyes”
Erin Hunter-McPhan
Daughter
June 18, 2024
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