Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas
End of Watch Monday, August 7, 2000
Add to My HeroesRandall Wade Vetter
Trooper Randall Vetter died from a gunshot wound he received four days earlier while conducting a traffic stop on I-35 in Kyle, Texas.
Trooper Vetter had stopped a 72-year-old driver for not wearing a seatbelt. While he was sitting in his patrol car, the suspect exited his vehicle and opened fire with a rifle. The trooper was struck in the head. Trooper Vetter was able to return fire but did not hit the suspect.
The suspect then used the patrol car's radio to say he shot the officer and requested medical assistance. The suspect was then taken into custody after a brief standoff on the roadway. The suspect was known to local officers for claiming he would shoot any officer who tried to write him a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison in 2008.
Trooper Vetter had served with the Texas Department of Public Safety for six years. He is survived by his wife and 8-month-old son.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 6 years
- Badge 8243
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Thursday, August 3, 2000
- Weapon Rifle
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 175 ReflectionsOfficer Vetter, im sorry for what happened to you on that day, as the man who took your life was a complete coward, and he had no reason to do what he did to you, all because he wasn't wearing a seatbelt. But on the bright side of things, karma caught up with him eventually, and took him down. However, from what i can tell, you were a good man who was just doing his job as an officer, until that evil p**** had to take that away, which goes to show that there is evil in this world. As said before, i can tell you were a good man who was doing what he loved to do, and you loved your family as well, which adds further evidence for you being a good guy at heart. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing your service is appreciated, and that the man who took your life is being punished for what he did. Rest well Mr. Vetter
Morgan
civilian
February 16, 2025
