Sergeant Noel David Cordero-Guzmán

Noel David Cordero-Guzmán

Sergeant Noel Cordero-Guzmán was shot and killed with his own weapon after intervening in a disturbance while off duty.

He was at a local fast food restaurant with friends when he observed a group of people creating a disturbance. Sergeant Cordero-Guzmán had a previous encounter with one of the men causing the disturbance. After identifying himself to the group he was attacked and beaten. One of the suspects then grabbed Sergeant Cordero-Guzmán's service weapon and shot him in the chest, killing him.

The 17-year-old shooter was charged as an adult with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and weapons violations. He was sentenced to 109 years in prison.

Sergeant Cordero-Guzmán had served with the Ponce Municipal Police Department for two years. He is survived by his expectant wife and 5-year-old child.

He was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant.