Louis Pena, a 42-year-old Hispanic male, was a dedicated police officer with the Coral Gables Police Department in Florida. On April 2, 1978, Officer Pena was tragically shot and killed during a routine traffic stop. The incident occurred when Officer Pena stopped a vehicle for running a red light, unaware that the car was stolen by a parolee. As Officer Pena remained in his patrol car with his K-9 partner, Abe, another officer provided backup from across the street. The driver of the stolen vehicle, Manuel Valle, approached Officer Pena and refused to produce identification, giving a false name instead. Valle returned to his vehicle multiple times while Officer Pena communicated the details over his radio.
When dispatch informed Officer Pena of the vehicle owner's name, Valle returned to his car to speak with the passenger. As the passenger exited the vehicle, Valle suddenly turned and shot Officer Pena through the open window of his patrol car, striking him in the neck. Valle then shot the backup officer, who was saved by his bulletproof vest. Despite his injuries, Officer Pena managed to radio that he had been shot. When additional officers and paramedics arrived, K-9 Abe was found guarding Officer Pena. He was rushed to Coral Gables Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds about an hour later.
Both suspects were apprehended in Deerfield Beach shortly after the incident. Manuel Valle was tried twice, convicted both times, and sentenced to death. After the U.S. Supreme Court remanded the second sentencing, Valle was sentenced to death for a third time in 1991. His subsequent appeal was denied by the Florida Supreme Court in 2001, and his death sentence was upheld. Valle was executed by lethal injection on September 28, 2011. The passenger in the stolen vehicle was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in the murder. Three years after his release, he was convicted of unrelated charges and returned to prison.
Officer Louis Pena's death was a significant loss to the Coral Gables community. He had served with the Coral Gables Police Department for 12 years and was a United States Army veteran. Officer Pena is survived by his wife, son, three daughters, parents, and two siblings. His dedication and sacrifice are remembered and honored by his colleagues and the community he served.
