Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Richard Gomez was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for drunk driving one mile west of Coyote, New Mexico. During the arrest, the suspect pulled out a .22 caliber handgun and shot Patrolman Gomez in the left shoulder, severing a major artery. The suspect remained at the scene and surrendered without incident. The 60-year-old suspect was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years in prison on February 21st, 1981. Patrolman Gomez was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served in law enforcement for ten years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NM-9DAD650E- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Gomez gave the New Mexico State Police 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of New Mexico, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Richard Gomez served in the Navy before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman Richard Gomez 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 NM, 123 of 193 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.7% of this state's fallen. That is 9.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At New Mexico State Police, 10 of 29 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 34.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard Gomez's cause is highlighted.
How Richard Gomez Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 13 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard Gomez is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard Gomez was killed by handgun; .22 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
28 officers from New Mexico State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
