Officer Tenney Gatewood, Jr., White Mountain Apache Tribal Police Department, Tribal Police

Officer Tenney Gatewood, Jr.

White Mountain Apache Tribal Police Department, Tribal Police

End of Watch Thursday, December 9, 1999

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Tenney Gatewood, Jr.

Officer Tenney Gatewood was shot and killed while struggling with two suspects, a father and son, whom he had stopped on Upper Log Road near Hawley Lake.

He had responded to a burglary call of a store on the White Mountain Apache Tribe reservation in Arizona when he stopped a vehicle he believed the suspects occupied. As Officer Gatewood spoke to the father the son exited the vehicle and forced him to the ground. The father then shot him in the head.

The subjects then fled into the woods where they were arrested approximately eight hours later. Both were convicted of crimes in connection with Officer Gatewood's murder. The son was sentenced to nine years in prison and the father was sentenced to 42 years in prison.

Officer Gatewood had served with the White Mountain Apache Tribal Police for nine years. He is survived by his wife, four children, and a grandchild.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 9 years
Badge P22

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Arizona
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to 42 years

burglary, traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Gatewood,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice as a Law Enforcement Officer. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

December 9, 2024