Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Tony Diaz was shot and killed while making a traffic stop near the intersection of County Road 6 and County Road 99W at approximately 9:30 pm.
After a five-minute high-speed pursuit, the suspect exited his vehicle and opened fire on Deputy Diaz, penetrating his vest and striking him in the shoulder.
Despite his wound, Deputy Diaz was able to call for assistance. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect, who fled on foot after abandoning his infant in his car, was apprehended a short time later. On October 4, 2011, the subject was convicted of multiple charges, including the murder of a peace officer. The jury recommended he receive the death penalty, and in February 2012, the presiding judge subsequently upheld the sentence.
Deputy Diaz had served with the Yolo County Sheriff's Department for four years.
Deputy Diaz had served with the Yolo County Sheriff's Department for four years.
Survivors
He is survived by his three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-FF36E948- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Diaz gave the Yolo County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Woodland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Diaz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Jose Antonio "Tony" Diaz is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Yolo County Sheriff's Dept., 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Jose Antonio "Tony" Diaz's cause is highlighted.
How Jose Antonio "Tony" Diaz Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to death
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Jose Antonio "Tony" Diaz is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Jose Antonio "Tony" Diaz was killed by rifle; ar-15.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Yolo County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
