On Wednesday, May 30, 2001, Police Officer Larry Brian Mitchell of the Gallup Police Department lost his life in the line of duty. Officer Mitchell, who was just 23 years old at the time of his death, was part of a SWAT team responding to a domestic dispute that had escalated into a barricaded situation.
The incident began with reports of gunfire following a domestic dispute at a mobile home in Gallup, New Mexico.
Officer Mitchell and six other SWAT team members were dispatched to the scene to address the situation. Upon attempting to enter the mobile home, the officers were fired upon by the barricaded individual. Officer Mitchell was struck in the side, just above his bulletproof vest, which proved fatal. Another officer was also shot, but his vest stopped the round, preventing further injury.
The suspect, who had barricaded himself inside the home, continued to fire shots throughout the night. This standoff lasted for several hours, with the suspect eventually surrendering approximately four hours after shooting Officer Mitchell.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with Officer Mitchell's death. On August 28, 2004, the suspect pled guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. He was sentenced to 34 years in prison for his crimes.
Officer Larry Brian Mitchell had served with the Gallup Police Department for four years prior to his death. He is remembered for his dedication to his duty and is survived by his wife and a 2-year-old son. His sacrifice is honored by the Gallup Police Department and the community he served, and he is listed on the Officer Down Memorial Pages and the Wall of Remembrance in Gallup, New Mexico.
