St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana
End of Watch Friday, June 16, 2006
Add to My HeroesOctavio Rafael Gonzalez
Captain Octavio Gonzalez was shot and killed while participating in a manhunt for two suspects who had shot and wounded another deputy minutes earlier.
The wounded deputy and his partner were conducting a narcotics operation and had stopped a vehicle with out-of-state plates. As the deputies approached the vehicle the driver opened fire on them, striking one of the deputies in the leg.
Both suspects then fled the scene as other units responded to the area. As Captain Gonzalez searched for the suspects he was distracted by a female posing as a stranded motorist. As he contacted dispatch he was ambushed by the male suspect and shot in the back and side three times.
The male suspect then stole Captain Gonzalez's duty rifle and fled into a residential area where he took an elderly man hostage in his home. The shooter eventually surrendered after a standoff at the home.
On April 1, 2008, the suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole and an additional 50 years for the attempted murder of the deputy.
Captain Gonzalez had served with the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Department for 13 years, and served as the commander of the Narcotics Division.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 13 years
- Badge PD-9
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 399 ReflectionsFifteen years have passed, but your picture is still one of the first things I see when I walk into my office each day. It was great that today like many days. I was asked about you. Most days, it is a short talk, but today, I found myself lost in the story, and when all was done, I had spent more than 30 minutes telling your story and stories about how much love and respect I have for you.
Sgt Kory Borcherding
Louisiana State Police
June 16, 2021
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