Stockton Police Department, California
End of Watch Friday, January 22, 1993
Add to My HeroesArthur Paul Parga
Officer Arthur Parga, Jr. was shot and killed while assisting a countywide narcotics task force in serving a search warrant. He was on a SWAT team when they entered a house, and the owner confronted them shortly after 2 a.m.
Officer Parga was the first to enter the house. He was shot in the head and leg during the raid, which was part of an ongoing investigation into marijuana trafficking. The suspect was then shot by another officer.
Officer Parga served with the Stockton police force for more than three years and previously was a Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Deputy from 1984 to 1989. While working at the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Department, he led the investigation into a notorious local “freeway rapist” and was responsible for his arrest.
Officer Parga is survived by his wife, who was pregnant at the time, and a 5-year-old son.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 9 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 59 ReflectionsI learned about Art after my own journey trying to learn about my dad (Tim White.) Art was killed 3 years almost to the day that my father was critically injured in the line of duty as a Stockton Police Officer. Like my dad, he graduated at the top of his academy class. He would have had an incredible career. His son was the same age as me when my dad died. His wife was pregnant. My mom had a 2 year old. The similarities are striking. My heart aches for his family- I know this pain well. I hope they've found some peace.
Art's name has come up from a lot of my dad's friends. He is still remembered, and he is still missed.
Missy
Former Stockton Resident
April 27, 2025
