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Incident
Investigator Hugo Arango was shot and killed while questioning two individuals who were suspected of breaking into vehicles in the Eclipse nightclub parking lot at 5600 Buford Highway NE in Doraville.
The suspect fired the weapon, striking Investigator Arango in the leg and the club manager in the jaw. The suspect then shot Investigator Arango again, with the bullet striking his badge. As the officer lay there, he was shot in the head execution style, which killed him. The two suspects fled the scene, but one of them left his wallet behind. He was arrested five days later after a manhunt involving over 500 officers.
The suspect was charged with capital murder. On June 25, 2003, he was sentenced to life in prison and would be eligible for parole after 32 years. While incarcerated, he was convicted of running a drug trafficking ring.
Investigator Arango had served with the Doraville Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents, three sisters, and a girlfriend.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Investigator Arango gave the Doraville Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Doraville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Investigator Arango.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Doraville Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Hugo is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Hugo is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Hugo is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2000, 8 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 2000, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2000, 73 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Hugo was 24. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Hugo had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Hugo was 24. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Hugo had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Hugo was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Hugo had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Saturdays: 20.6%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Doraville Police Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Doraville Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Hugo among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Doraville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
