Patrolman Ernesto Serna, 31, was shot and killed on November 12, 1991, while working an extra-duty security assignment at a Wal-Mart in El Paso, Texas. Serna, a two-year member of the El Paso Police Department and a military veteran recently returned from Operation Desert Storm, was off duty when he observed a man take a coat without paying. He followed the suspect into the parking lot and confronted him. During the confrontation the suspect drew a handgun and shot Serna in the face. Serna returned fire and killed the suspect, then was taken to Thomason Hospital and succumbed to his wounds shortly after 9 p.m.

The suspect, described in the report as a 31-year-old male, was killed during the altercation; the incident was ruled justifiable homicide because Serna was acting in the line of duty. Serna is survived by his wife and three sons, who all later became officers with the El Paso Police Department. Any readers who knew Patrolman Serna or who have information about that night are invited to share what they remember.