Officer Leonard Walter Garcia

Officer Leonard Walter Garcia

Richmond Police Department, California

End of Watch Monday, December 28, 1992

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Leonard Walter Garcia

Officer Leonard Garcia and Officer David Haynes were shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call involving a hostage situation at 6:30 am on Hartnett Avenue.

The subject's daughter had called the police after hiding in a bedroom. Officer Haynes and Officer Garcia helped her out of the bedroom and then entered the house to try to get free the other family members. The man opened fire on them, fatally wounding both officers.

The subject then shot and wounded his ex-wife and son before committing suicide.

Officer Garcia had served with the Richmond Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son.

Bio

  • Age 31
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge 90

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; M-1
  • Offender Committed suicide

domestic, hostage

Most Recent Reflection

View all 49 Reflections

Lenny,
In the early 80's you worked as a radio dispatcher for the Sacramento FBI Field Office. This was back in the day before cell phones so you would also take telephone messages for agents in the field and knew what was important. You were going to school at night to get a criminal justice degree. I remember more than once we talked about you wanting to be an FBI agent. I told you that while the Bureau would not want to lose a good employee, I suggested that before you applied to go and work for a local police department to get the experience that would make you a better agent. I later transferred to the Los Angeles office and lost touch with you. It was years later when I heard about how you and your partner made the ultimate sacrifice while serving with the Richmond Police Department. I have seen your name on the California Peace Officers' Memorial near the State Capitol. It has been 31 years. Rest in peace brother. You are not forgotten.

Scott Hanley, Special Agent (ret.)
FBI

December 24, 2023

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