Sergeant Gregory Lei Hunter, aged 54, was a dedicated officer with the Grand Prairie Police Department in Texas. He was the first black sworn police officer hired by the department in 1973 and had a long and distinguished career, earning numerous awards and commendations over the years. On June 18, 2004, while investigating a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a Walmart on the I-20 Frontage Road, Sergeant Hunter was fatally shot by a suspect.
The incident began when store employees
noticed a van parked in the lot overnight with its engine running. When the first officer arrived, he found all doors locked and no response from inside the van. He requested his supervisor, Sergeant Hunter, to respond to the scene. Upon arrival, Sergeant Hunter and the other officer made contact with the suspect, who gave a false name and became evasive. As the other officer went to block a possible escape route, the suspect suddenly opened fire with a .45 caliber handgun, fatally wounding Sergeant Hunter.
Despite being wounded, the other officer managed to return fire and killed the suspect. During the investigation, authorities discovered an SKS rifle, two handguns, a fused pipe bomb, ammunition, and bomb components in the van. The suspect was found to be a fugitive from justice, awaiting trial in Kansas for various offenses, including narcotic and alcohol violations, criminal possession of a weapon, and obstruction of legal process.
Sergeant Hunter's death was a tragic loss for the Grand Prairie Police Department and the community. He is survived by his wife, daughter, mother, sister, and aunt. His dedication and service to the community are remembered and honored by those who knew him.
