End of Watch: 9/6/2002Age: 34
Tour: 12 years
Badge #194
Cause: Vehicular assault
Incident Date: 9/6/2002
Weapon: Automobile
Suspect: Sentenced to life
Officer Conrad Gernale was intentionally struck and killed by a vehicle driven by a suspect fleeing a domestic assault.
The suspect had followed his wife to her father’s home and assaulted the father. When officers arrived, the suspect fled and struck Officer Gernale as Officer Gernale walked along a road to an ambulance that was treating one of the victims. The man then struck an ambulance, injuring the three medics inside, before being taken into custody.
The suspect was charged with capital murder, along with other charges stemming from the domestic incident.
On September 12, 2003, the suspect was sentenced to life in prison and will be eligible for parole in 2033.
Officer Gernale had been employed with the Beaumont Police Department for 12 years, and is survived by his wife, three young children, parents, and siblings.