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Local police respond to Mission officer killed in the line of duty

The government reports at least 57 police officers have been killed in the line of duty this year. The latest happened Thursday night in Mission, Texas.

ARANSAS PASS, Texas — The entire city of Mission was in mourning Friday after Corporal Jose 'Speedy' Espericueta was shot several times during a shoot out.

According to police, it started on a highway when a mother and son were arguing, the son then got out of the car and started shooting at his mother.

That's when Espericueta and other officers responded trying to arrest him.  

As the suspect ran away, he turned around and opened fire again-this time striking Espericueta several times.

Other officers returned fire and killed the man.

We spoke to Aransas Pass Police Chief Eric Blanchard on why this death rocks police departments across the U.S.

Since Corporal Espericueta made an appearance on Live PD, officials say the show will hold a special 'End of Watch tribute to him.

The officer was a 13-year veteran with Mission P.D. and leaves behind a wife and two children.

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