Chandler Police Department, Arizona
End of Watch Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Add to My HeroesCarlos Luciano Ledesma
Police Officer Carlos Ledesma was shot and killed while conducting an undercover narcotics operation at a home in the 2300 block of West Maldonado Road in Phoenix.
Officer Ledesma was working an undercover operation with two other officers who were attempting to sell 500 pounds of marijuana to the subjects. They had just arrived to complete the deal when the suspects came out firing at them. Two of the officers were able to return fire and both were wounded.
Two suspects were shot and killed by the officers and six other suspects were taken into custody. In 2017 three of the men plead guilty to second degree murder and conspiracy to distribute marijuana. One was sentenced to 30 years in prison and the other two were sentenced to 20 years in prison. On August 14, 2022, the last two suspects, 37 and 51, were convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Officer Ledesma was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Chandler Police Department for three years. He had previously served with the Spirit Lake, Iowa, Police Department. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 3 years
- Badge 600
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; AK-47
- Offender 2 shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 179 ReflectionsLord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.
Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:
“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]
[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]
And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
January 10, 2024
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