Fallen Hero

Police Officer Mario Jenkins
University of Central Florida Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Saturday, September 24, 2005

Biographical Info

Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire (Accidental)
Date of Incident: Saturday, September 24, 2005
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Not available

Officer Mario Jenkins was shot and killed by an Orlando police officer who mistook him for an armed suspect at a University of Central Florida football game.

Officer Jenkins was working a plainclothes assignment with other university police and Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco agents, to combat under age drinking at the football game.

Officer Jenkins had approached a group of students and identified himself as a police officer. As he began to question them, the students became belligerent and a scuffle ensued. During the scuffle, Officer Jenkins' service weapon was discharged. The shots attracted the attention of a nearby Orlando police officer who immediately responded to the scene. The officer, unaware of Officer Jenkins' identity, fired three shots and mortally wounded him.