Ruben Almanza, a 37-year-old Hispanic male, tragically lost his life on July 27, 1984, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Sergeant Ruben Almanza was a dedicated officer with the Corpus Christi Police Department and a Vietnam War veteran. On the fateful day, Sergeant Almanza was involved in a search for a robbery suspect at the 3600 block of Lamont Street. The suspect, after robbing a store, exited brandishing a gun, stole a vehicle, and crashed it into a parked car and tree on Carroll Lane.
The suspect then fled on foot, shooting at officers as he hid in the neighborhood. Sergeant Almanza was standing behind a fence when the suspect shot him through the fence from an adjacent yard. The suspect then jumped over the fence and shot Sergeant Almanza again while he was on the ground. Despite being transported to Memorial Medical Center, Sergeant Almanza succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed in the available sources, was shot and killed by responding officers after he fired at them again. This incident marked a significant loss for the Corpus Christi Police Department and the community. Sergeant Almanza had served with the department for nine years and was assigned to the Criminal Investigative Division. He was survived by his wife, three daughters, father, brother, and eight sisters.
The investigation into Sergeant Almanza's death was swift, given the immediate apprehension and subsequent death of the suspect. There were no further arrests or litigations related to this case, as the primary suspect was neutralized during the confrontation. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the ultimate sacrifice made by Sergeant Almanza in the line of duty. His service and dedication to both his community and country are remembered and honored by those who knew him and the broader Corpus Christi community.
