Robert Layden Hornsby, a 32-year-old male police officer with the Killeen Police Department, tragically died on July 14, 2013. Officer Hornsby was shot and killed while participating in a SWAT deployment at an apartment complex in the 1600 block of Grandon Drive in Killeen, Texas. The incident began when a resident in the complex displayed a weapon and confronted several people using the pool.
When initial units arrived, the subject brandished an AK-47 rifle and barricaded himself in his apartment. The Tactical Response Unit was deployed and arrived at the scene approximately one hour after the initial call. As members of the tactical unit attempted to make contact with the man, the subject fired one shot and then opened the apartment door with his hands up. When the subject refused to exit the apartment, the tactical team moved in to subdue him. The man backed further into the apartment, grabbed the rifle, and opened fire. Officer Hornsby and another officer were wounded before the subject was killed by return fire. Both officers were transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, where Officer Hornsby succumbed to his wounds shortly before 2:00 am.
Officer Hornsby had served with the Killeen Police Department for four years and is survived by his wife, daughter, son, mother, and three brothers. The Killeen Police Department has remembered Officer Hornsby's dedication, courage, and commitment to the citizens of Killeen. The suspect in the incident was killed by return fire during the confrontation.
There were no further arrests, suspects, litigations, or investigations related to Officer Hornsby's death, as the subject was killed on the scene. The incident was classified as a weapons violation.
Officer Hornsby's death was a significant loss to the Killeen Police Department and the community, and his memory continues to be honored and remembered.
