Patrolman Hector Manuel ’Chino’ Gomez, 25, was killed while on duty in Marion, Louisiana on Tuesday, March 5, 2002. A United States Army veteran who had served on the three-person police force for just under a year, he responded to a bank call about three suspicious people trying to cash a check.

Gomez stopped the suspects and a vehicle pursuit ended when their car crashed into a ditch off Cobb Road and Game Reserve Road. As Gomez approached the wrecked vehicle he was fatally shot and later died at Union General Hospital. His expectant wife, child, mother and four brothers survived him.

All three suspects were taken into custody shortly afterward. The shooter later pleaded guilty to murder and received life without parole; the other two suspects faced manslaughter charges. Gomez was posthumously awarded the Louisiana Law Enforcement Medal of Honor.

If anyone remembers seeing activity near Cobb Road and Game Reserve Road on March 5, 2002, or has information about that night, please share what is known.