Special Agent Ariel Rios

Special Agent Ariel Rios | United States Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Government
United States Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Government
Special Agent Ariel Rios

United States Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Government

End of Watch Thursday, December 2, 1982

Add to My Heroes

Ariel Rios

Special Agent Ariel Rios was shot and killed while conducting an undercover operation in Miami, Florida.

He was shot while struggling with a suspect who was attempting to shoot other ATF agents at a hotel at 4911 W. Flagler Street.

The subject who murdered Special Agent Rios was sentenced to 60 years in prison.

Special Agent Rios was survived by his wife and two children.

The Ariel Rios Federal Building, located in Washington, DC, was named in honor of Agent Rios.

Bio

  • Age 28
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Florida
  • Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to 60 years

undercover

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 38 Reflections

It has been 41 yrs since the killing of Officer Rios, I was a 22 yr old medic on the rescue squad that helped Officer D’Atri survive his wounds. Months later he came to our fire station to thank us for helping him that day. It hurt then and still hurts my heart today that we couldn’t help Officer Rios live the long life that he deserved. Such a waste and for what? He is a proud dad looking down from Heaven today, proud of his kids, his family, his legacy. Thank you for your sacrifice my brother.

JL Barreto, Captain (Retired)
Miami Fire Dept

January 30, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.

Recent LODD Deaths