Deputy Sheriff Jose Antonio "Tony" Diaz

Deputy Sheriff Jose Antonio "Tony" Diaz

Yolo County Sheriff's Office, California

End of Watch Sunday, June 15, 2008

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Jose Antonio "Tony" Diaz

Deputy Tony Diaz was shot and killed while making a traffic stop near the intersection of County Road 6 and County Road 99W at approximately 9:30 pm.

After a five-minute high-speed pursuit, the suspect exited his vehicle and opened fire on Deputy Diaz, penetrating his vest and striking him in the shoulder.

Despite his wound, Deputy Diaz was able to call for assistance. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect, who fled on foot after abandoning his infant in his car, was apprehended a short time later. On October 4, 2011, the subject was convicted of multiple charges, including the murder of a peace officer. The jury recommended he receive the death penalty, and in February 2012, the presiding judge subsequently upheld the sentence.

Deputy Diaz had served with the Yolo County Sheriff's Department for four years. He is survived by his three children.

Bio

  • Age 37
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge 140

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; AR-15
  • Offender Sentenced to death

convicted felon, parolee, traffic stop, vehicle pursuit

Most Recent Reflection

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Deputy Diaz, i'm sorry for what happened to you that night 17 years ago, as your killing was unneccessary, and absolutely uncalled for. If anything, the man who killed you could've just did his time in jail and got it over with, but instead chose to make a choice that would prove how vile and cruel he was towards you. Not only that, he was a gang member at the time from what i learned, which says alot on how unlawful of a person he was, as he was already down the wrong path from the beginning. But from the footage i've seen of your death, it makes no sense on how not only was he desperate to get away, but from the fact that he had many options. He could've pulled over and went to jail like he should've, or he could've just done something other than shooting you and taking your life. Not only did he take away a police officer, but he took away a husband, a father, a brother, and many more, and on top of it he was a father himself, but he clearly had little care for his own child as he ditched them in the process, which says alot on how much of a coward he was. But rest assured, you've been avenged as he's been sentenced to death, meaning that justice has been served and he will no longer cause a threat to anyone else again, and that he won't rip apart anymore families like he did. That means that one day karma will eventually reach him, which is death, for the actions he did that night as his time is coming. Although karma takes its time to reach those who do harm to others, especially police, it only means that it will give those who have done wrong a harsh punishment, which is judgement day. But i think despite all of that, i'd like to focus on the good side. From what i learned, you always had a good heart to others, since you were a man who cared for his family and his children, as you were born into a large family, which i think inspired you to have your own family as you had a wife and children, whom i'm sure have grown up to learn about their father's legacy and who you were as a man and as a person, as you were a protector to those who couldn't defend themselves. You were a man who loved serving and protecting his community, since you spent a mere 4 years on the job, and during those 4 years, you made a difference and changed the way Yolo county was before your passing, which says alot, as i guarantee that the residents appreciated your service while you were alive and remember you and your service, along with how selfless you were to put others safety over yours. And another thing i'd like to mention is that during your last moments, you didn't back down as you were able to fight back until the end, which says alot about the strength you had. The fact you were able to return fire at the man who took your life is something that not only all officers are trained to do, but it's the way you fought back even though you were critically injured and most likely knew it was the end. However, despite that spineless coward taking you away, he has been sentenced to death as his time is coming for what he did, which i'm sure you're resting well at the fact he will face his fate once that said day comes. I think you did alot during your 37 years on earth, as you not only protected and served your city and the citizens of California, but it was something you were called upon to do, and you did so with grace and care for others, which is something that only few can do. Not many people in this world are fit to be cops, but with officers like you setting the example and having a good work ethic, it's safe to say you were able to show the corrupt that not everyone is bad and that they can change and have a change of heart with mind. And from what i learned about what kind of person you were and how truly good of an officer you were, i'm sure your fellow officers and coworkers had a blast working with someone like you, since you were the type of person who would turn people's bad days into good days by showing them who you were at heart, and with how God made you. Although i for one never met or knew you, i believe you were a good person to encounter and get to know, since you truly did love your people and wanted to do the best you could to make them feel safe and protected with officers like you protecting them and making sure they get to their destination safely with no harm. Although it's been awhile since your passing, it won't ever change the fact that you once served your people, and that the current officers serving the same county as you will know that your presence was once there, working alongside them, and as long as your name is still said and that you're remembered, you won't fully pass away as you live on in the minds and hearts of others, especially your family. I'd like to think you're the guardian angel of your wife and children, as they go on with their lives as you protect them and ensure they're safe and that no evil or harm will reach them, the same way you made sure that your people were safe as you were out on the streets making them all feel protected. But all in all, it's evident that your service overall will not be forgotten, and that your murderer was nothing short of a coward and a scumbag who's only purpose was to inflict harm on others and cause trouble and issues to others, along with the fact his gang wasn't any good either. To be more certain, he will face judgement day regardless, as his time is coming due to the fact he's been sentenced to death, meaning that he lives in fear knowing that at any day and any time, the executioner will call his name to finally be put down, like the reckless dog he is, as he should've been put in the ground a whole lot sooner. As of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is appreciated, and that the impact you made will never be forgotten, as your impact on others and the residents of Yolo County will be remembered for as long as time goes on, as your star will never fade out. Rest Well Mr. Diaz

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

June 21, 2025

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