BPD remembers officer K.I.A

Tuesday, Sept. 6, the Beaumont Police Department (BPD) remembered Officer Conrad Gernale, who was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 6, 2002.

Officer Gernale was intentionally struck and killed by a vehicle driven by a suspect who had returned to the scene after committing a family violence assault, BPD reported on the 20th anniversary of Gernale’s death. The suspect struck Officer Gernale as he walked along the road to an ambulance that was treating one of the assault victims. The suspect then struck the ambulance, injuring three medics inside, before being taken into custody.

The suspect was charged with capital murder, along with other charges stemming from the family violence incident. On September 12, 2003, the suspect was sentenced to life in prison and will be eligible for parole in 2033.

Officer Gernale was 34 years old and had been employed with the Beaumont Police Department for 12 years. He left behind a wife, three young children, parents, and siblings.