Officer Patrick Kent Hardesty

Officer Patrick Kent Hardesty

Tucson Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Monday, May 26, 2003

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Patrick Kent Hardesty

Officer Patrick Hardesty was shot and killed while investigating a hit-and-run traffic accident at the intersection of Fort Lowell Road and Park Avenue.

Shortly after arriving at the scene, Officer Hardesty located a suspect, and a struggle ensued in which Officer Hardesty was shot five times and fatally wounded. Officer Hardesty was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Responding officers apprehended the suspect after a short foot pursuit. The suspect, who had a criminal record, was found guilty of first-degree murder on February 25th, 2005, and was sentenced to death on March 10th, 2005. In December 2023, he was taken off death row and will have a new resentencing hearing.

Officer Hardesty was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and served with the Tucson Police Department as a reserve officer for 11 years and as a full-time officer for 19 months. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents, two sisters, and a brother. His grandfather and brother had also served as law enforcement officers.

Bio

  • Age 40
  • Tour 13 years
  • Badge 31432
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Taken off death row

accident scene, convicted felon, hit-and-run

Most Recent Reflection

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I served with Patrick Hardesty at Marine Barracks RAF St Mawgan United Kingdom in 1985. I lost touch with Pat after I returned to the States and never saw or heard from him again. I also became a police officer after I left the Marines. I worked in Nashua New Hampshire, coming on the job in 1988 and I retired in 2009. My deepest sympathy to Pat’s family and friends over his tragic demise. He was a good Marine and I’m sure he was a good police officer. Semper Fidelis brother.

Corporal James Casey
USMC Barracks RAF St Mawgan United Kingdom

July 19, 2024

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