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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Lorenzo Bustos was struck and killed by a drunk driver at about 12:50 while making a traffic stop in the 14000 block of State Highway 155.
He and his field training officer had conducted a traffic stop shortly before midnight and had taken two occupants of the vehicle into custody. While they were completing their investigation of the initial traffic stop another vehicle struck Deputy Bustos as he stood behind his patrol SUV. The impact pushed Deputy Bustos beneath the patrol vehicle. His partner, who was sitting in the passenger seat at the time of the crash, immediately started rendering aid.
Deputy Bustos was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries about five hours later.
The driver who struck him was charged with intoxication manslaughter.
Deputy Bustos had served with the Smith County Sheriff's Office for six months and was on his final night of field training. He had previously served with the Rusk County Sheriff's Office for one year and the Henderson Police Department for one year.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Bustos gave the Smith County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tyler community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Bustos.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Smith County Sheriff's Office has lost 8 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Lorenzo is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Lorenzo is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lorenzo is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2022, 1 officer at Smith County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1851, with 2.
In 2022, 8 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 2022, 79 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2022, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Lorenzo was 29. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Smith County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 30; the middle age was 29. Lorenzo had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 1.7 years.
Lorenzo was 29. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Lorenzo had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Lorenzo was 29. 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. Lorenzo had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Lorenzo was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Lorenzo had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 20% of these deaths at Smith County Sheriff's Office; September holds the most, 40%. Fridays: 20%.
July holds 9.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Fridays: 15.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 8 deaths at Smith County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 1.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 0.9% of these deaths.
His people
Smith County Sheriff's Office has 8 officers remembered here, Lorenzo among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Smith County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
