Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Thursday, October 12, 2023
Add to My HeroesRichard Carrero Mendez
Sergeant Richard Mendez was shot and killed at the Philadelphia International Airport's Garage D at about 11:00 p.m.
He and his partner arrived in the parking garage, preparing to start their shift, when they observed subjects breaking into a vehicle. As they approached the men, the subjects fired at them. Sergeant Mendez was struck multiple times, and his partner was shot in the arm.
Sergeant Mendez was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds at 11:34 p.m.
The suspects fled in a stolen vehicle. One of the suspects, who died from gunshot wounds, was dropped off at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The rest of the suspects remained at large until October 16, 2023, when an 18-year-old suspect was arrested.
Sergeant Mendez had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for almost 23 years and was assigned to the Airport Unit. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Sergeant Mendez was posthumously promoted to Sergeant and awarded the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor.
Bio
- Age 50
- Tour 22 years, 11 months
- Badge 5041
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender One shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 105 ReflectionsSgt. Mendez,
On today, the 1st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
October 12, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Constable Katherine Hutson
Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 5, TX
EOW: November 22, 2024
Major Michelle Lynn Quintero
Madison County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 27, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024
Corporal Luis Paez
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024
Police Officer Evan Dunn
Golden Police Department, CO
EOW: November 6, 2024
Police Officer Enrique Martinez
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: November 4, 2024
Detective Clarence E. Word, III
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: October 1, 2024
Trooper Corey S. Thompsen
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: October 18, 2024
Detective Maurice "Mo" Joseph
Norfolk Police Department, VA
EOW: October 9, 2024