Los Angeles Police Officer Died While Going to Testify in Murder Case

With Michelle Hunter

Source Times-Picayune | New Orleans Lawyer

A Kenner police officer who went to court to testify in a murder case died Wednesday afternoon after a “medical incident” on the Pontchartrain Expressway in New Orleans, according to authorities.

Sergeant. Peter Foltz, 45, was a 20-year veteran of the department and a thoughtful and meticulous professional, Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said Thursday.

“It shocked everyone. It was so sudden,” Conley said.

Foltz was the lead detective in the department’s investigation into the death of Alejandro Quiroz. The suspect was scheduled to appear Wednesday afternoon in Jefferson Parish’s 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna for the second-degree murder trial of suspect Oswaldo Dachuna, 61.

According to Conley, Foltz had a medical emergency while driving westbound on the Freeway and pulled over to the side of the road near the Tchoupitoulas exit.

An off-duty Gretna police officer noticed the vehicle and stopped to check on the driver. The officer called emergency services and New Orleans police after noticing Foltz was in distress, authorities said.

Unfortunately, Foltz could not be revived.

“Pete dedicated his life and career to the citizens of Kenner, and he did it very well,” Conley said. “Even in his last act, in the worst situation of his life, he considered pulling over and not putting the public at risk.”

Foltz was born and raised in Seattle. He came to the New Orleans area and joined the Kenner Police Department in 2005. Conley said he moved to the investigations bureau in 2014 as a detective, handling all kinds of high-profile and juvenile cases.

Her work brought her into frequent contact with prosecutors and staff at the Jefferson Parish Child Advocacy Center, an agency that helps investigate child abuse and provides treatment to victims.

Foltz was promoted to sergeant in September and returned to patrolling the road.

“He was a mentor to many young officers, teaching them investigative techniques,” Conley said. “He really enjoyed it.”

As news of his death spread, the department saw an outpouring of emotion and support. Foltz influenced many in the community, according to Conley, who called him a gentleman and professional.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed. Conley said Foltz died in the line of duty and full honors will go to him.

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