On This Date (January 16) 1983-Police Officer John R. Pasco
On this date (January 16) 1983 a Father and Mother lost a son, our nation lost a Veteran of the United States
Air Force and Dallas lost a Police Officer.
Police Officer John R. Pasco, Badge Number 4545, age 27, was shot a killed after observing a suspect firing a pistol into the air in the 1800 block Park Avenue.
While on routine patrol, Police Officer Pasco observed a male firing a pistol into the air in the 1800 block Park Avenue. Officer Pasco requested cover elements and just as he was to exit his vehicle, the suspect fired at him and turned and began to run towards the apartments located nearby.
Officer Pasco exited his vehicle and began a foot pursuit which continued through the hallway of the apartments. They exited the apartments into a vacant lot. The suspect turned as Officer Pasco approached.
Some witnesses said a scuffle over the weapon began at which time the suspect fired and Officer Pasco fell to the ground. Other witnesses said the suspect fired just as Officer Pasco reached the suspect and ran as Officer Pasco fell to the ground.
Arriving cover elements found Officer Pasco after witnesses pointed out his location. He was transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital where he died as a result of his injuries at 11:05 p.m., approximately six hours after the offense.
The suspect was located several blocks away from descriptions furnished by the witnesses. He was identified as Ramon Montoya, an Illegal Alien with a lengthily criminal record with several arrests for weapon violations.
Ramon Montoya, age 28, was charged with Capital Murder, was convicted and received the death penalty. He was executed March 25, 1993.
Police Officer John R. Pasco, a two year veteran of the Dallas Police Department is interred at the Oakdale Memorial Park Cemetery, Adel, Iowa.