Officer Robert Buitrago, 23, was shot and killed on January 15, 1994, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Buitrago had been with the Winston-Salem Police Department for six months and was unarmed when he interceded during an armed robbery at a Food Lion grocery store where he was shopping around 9:30 p.m. The suspect demanded access to the safe, took about $1,700, and fled.

Buitrago chased the suspect outside; a struggle followed and Buitrago died of a single gunshot wound to the chest. Witnesses heard one or more shots and identified the suspect, leading to his arrest after he was found hiding in a Winston-Salem residence. The community and the department remember Buitrago for his bravery in confronting the armed robber.

Does anyone have memories of Officer Buitrago or information about that night that could add detail to the timeline?