United States of America
Headstone of Gabriel Vargas-Hernandez
U.S. Army · United States United States

Gabriel Vargas-Hernandez

Died September 17, 1965

Gabriel Vargas-Hernandez served in the U.S. Army for 1 year and 4 months. Gabriel served during the years of World War II.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Policeman Gabriel Vargas-Hernandez was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man in Rio Piedras at 3:00 p.m. Policeman Vargas-Hernandez was walking near a corner store inside the San Fernando public housing complex when he observed a man concealing a .45 pistol inside his waist and not having a license for it. As he attempted to arrest the individual, the suspect's godparent came to his aid and interfered with the arrest, starting a struggle in which Policeman Vargas-Hernandez dropped his service revolver. The suspect, struggling with Policeman Vargas-Hernandez, grabbed his revolver and shot him, killing him instantly. Both suspects were caught days later. The man holding the .45 pistol was convicted of possession of an illegal weapon without a license and sentenced to 2 years. The shooter was convicted of 2nd Degree Murder and sentenced to 30 years.

Survivors
Policeman Vargas-Hernandez was survived by his wife and six children.
Media
Gabriel Vargas-Hernandez
Gabriel Vargas-Hernandez 0 views

Branch

U.S. Army · 1944 – 1945
Service Record
U.S. Army
1944 – 1945
Also Served
Puerto Rico Police Department
Policeman
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 16-E · Line 12 cut as GABRIEL VARGAS-HERNANDEZ
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.

Policeman Vargas-Hernandez served with the Puerto Rico Police Department.

Thank you for your service to the San Juan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, Policeman Vargas-Hernandez.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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