El Paso Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Tuesday, November 12, 1991
Add to My HeroesErnesto Serna
Patrolman Ernesto Serna was shot and killed after confronting a shoplifter.
Patrolman Serna was working an extra-duty assignment as security at the Wal-Mart Store. Patrolman Serna saw a male take a coat from the rack and walk out of the store without paying for it. He followed the shoplifter out of the store and stopped him in the parking lot. When Patrolman Serna confronted the suspect, he drew a handgun out from under his coat and opened fire, striking him once in the face. Patrolman Serna was able to return fire, and shot the suspect three times, killing him.
Patrolman Serna was rushed to Thomason Hospital where he died shortly after 9 p.m.
Patrolman Serna had served with the agency for two years where he was assigned to the Central Substation. He had just returned from Saudi Arabia where he served with the United States Army Reserve in Operation Desert Storm.
He is survived by his wife and three sons. All of his sons became officers with the El Paso Police Department.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 2 years, 6 months
- Badge 1337
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 26 ReflectionsErnie and I were great friends in Pensacola and Berlin. He would always make me laugh. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. You were definitely one of the good guys.
Karen Mulholland Grogan
Army friend
October 17, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jay Hughes
Kalispel Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: January 6, 2021

Corporal Christine Peters
Greenbelt Police Department, MD
EOW: January 14, 2021

Conservation Officer Steven Reighard
Iowa Department of Natural Resources, IA
EOW: January 8, 2021

Police Officer Melton "Fox" Gore
Horry County Police Department, SC
EOW: January 12, 2021

Sergeant Frederick H. "Butch" Cameron
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, VA
EOW: January 12, 2021

Officer Troy Allen Adkins
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: December 31, 2020

Unit Team Supervisor Gabe Morales
Kansas Department of Corrections, KS
EOW: December 22, 2020

Lieutenant William Lyle Gardner
Denver City Police Department, TX
EOW: January 7, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Jane Alice Ash
Effingham County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: December 16, 2020