On a summer day in Franklin Parish, Louisiana, Sergeant Rogelio 'Roy' Gonzalez Jr., a nine-year veteran of the Sheriff's Department, responded to a call that would tragically be his last. On July 15, 2005, a crop duster pilot reported being shot at from a residence on Highway 128, northeast of Gilbert. Sergeant Gonzalez, along with three other deputies, was dispatched to investigate the dangerous situation.
Upon their arrival at the identified home, the deputies were met by the homeowner, who was armed with multiple firearms. The situation quickly escalated when the deputies ordered the man to drop his weapons. Refusing to comply, the man opened fire on the officers. In the ensuing gunfire, Sergeant Gonzalez was fatally wounded, and another deputy sustained minor injuries.
The remaining deputies returned fire, and the suspect was killed at the scene. The man who shot Sergeant Gonzalez was the sole individual involved in the incident, and as he was killed during the exchange of gunfire, no arrests were made. Sergeant Gonzalez, a male officer, was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons. His death was a profound loss to his family, colleagues, and the Franklin Parish community he served.
