Roll of Honor
Incident
Agent Rafael Santana-Cruz was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect while off duty.
He was returning home after seeing a friend when he observed a man holding a gun. Agent Santana-Cruz identified himself and attempted to arrest the man but was shot seven times.
The suspect was arrested a short time later and charged with first degree murder.
Agent Santana-Cruz had served with the Puerto Rico Police Department for 6 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PR-4CC6345E- 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.
Agent Santana-Cruz gave the Puerto Rico Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the San Juan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Agent Santana-Cruz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Agent Rafael Santana-Cruz 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 127, 294 of 388 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75.8% of this state's fallen. That is 21.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Puerto Rico Police Department, 279 of 364 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Rafael Santana-Cruz's cause is highlighted.
How Rafael Santana-Cruz Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Rafael Santana-Cruz is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Rafael Santana-Cruz was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
363 officers from Puerto Rico Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
