Sergeant Carlos A. Rivera-Vega

Carlos A. Rivera-Vega

Sergeant Carlos Rivera-Vega succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained seven days earlier in an unprovoked attack while conducting an investigation.

He and other members of the Mayagüez Drugs Division had gone to the Concordia Public Housing complex, in Mayagüez, during the course of the investigation. While they were on scene a resident walked up to them and began questioning the officers why they were at the complex. The man suddenly produced a .357 caliber handgun and opened fire, striking Sergeant Rivera-Vega in the abdomen two times.

The subject ran a short distance away and then committed suicide as other officers pursued him.

Sergeant Rivera-Vega was transported to Rio Piedras Medical Center where he remained until succumbing to his wounds.

Sergeant Rivera-Vega had served with the Puerto Rico Police Department for 14 years. He is survived by his three children.