Thomas Edward Riggs, a dedicated officer of the San Diego Police Department, tragically lost his life on March 31, 1985, in the line of duty. Born on August 28, 1957, Riggs had been serving the department since 1979 and was known for his commitment and leadership. On that fateful day, Riggs was assigned to a civilian ride-along program, which allowed citizens to experience a day in the life of a police officer. His ride-along partner was Sara Pena-Ruiz. The day took a tragic turn when Riggs responded to a call to back up fellow officer Donovan Jacobs during a traffic stop in the Encanto neighborhood of San Diego.
The traffic stop involved a pickup truck with several men inside, suspected of being involved in a shooting earlier that day. The driver, Sagon Ahmes Penn, was an accomplished martial artist. When Jacobs asked Penn for his driver's license, Penn handed over his entire wallet. As Jacobs returned the wallet and asked for the license again, Penn attempted to walk away. Jacobs grabbed Penn's shoulder, leading to a violent struggle. During the altercation, Penn managed to seize Jacobs' gun and shot him in the neck. He then turned the gun on Riggs, shooting him multiple times, with the fatal shot severing his abdominal aorta. Penn also shot Pena-Ruiz, who was in the patrol car, before fleeing the scene.
The aftermath of Riggs' death was marked by a highly publicized trial. Sagon Penn was charged with the murder of Thomas Riggs and the attempted murder of Donovan Jacobs and Sara Pena-Ruiz. The trial was emotionally charged and closely followed by the community. In a controversial verdict, Penn was acquitted of all charges, a decision that left many in the law enforcement community and the public outraged. The case highlighted issues of police conduct and the use of force, sparking debates and discussions that resonated beyond San Diego.
Thomas Riggs' death was a profound loss for his family, colleagues, and the community he served. He was remembered as a dedicated officer who loved his job and was respected by those he worked with and even those he arrested. His funeral was attended by hundreds of peace officers from across the country, reflecting the deep respect and admiration for his service. The procession and service were solemn reminders of the risks law enforcement officers face daily and the ultimate sacrifice some make in the line of duty.
