On the night of November 15, 1989, 48-year-old Garland Police Officer Gerald Ray Walker was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop in Garland, Texas. A U.S. Air Force veteran and a 17-year member of the Garland Police Department, Walker had also served with the Farmers Branch and Grapevine police departments, giving him 22 years in law enforcement. His death was the first line-of-duty fatality in the history of the Garland Police Department.

The driver stopped that night was 39-year-old Daniel Joe Hittle, who was armed with a 20-gauge shotgun. After shooting Officer Walker in the chest, Hittle fled and proceeded to a residence where he murdered three more people and critically wounded a child before being apprehended later that night following a pursuit and shootout.

Officer Walker is remembered for his dedication and professionalism and for giving his life while performing a routine duty. If anyone witnessed the traffic stop or has information about that night, the investigation would welcome additional details.