On November 4th, 2019, Dayton Police Detective Jorge R. Del Rio was taking part in a drug raid when he suffered critical injuries from getting shot.

He was working with a DEA task force that was executing a search warrant at a suspected drug house. After arriving and announcing themselves, his fellow officers had begun to secure the upstairs, while he headed to check the basement. But just as he started to descend the stairs, one of the suspects—who had been hiding down there—suddenly opened fire with a handgun and hit Detective Del Rio twice in the face. The other officers then disarmed and arrested the suspect.

Jorge died three days later, on November 7th, 2019, following organ donation and being taken off life support. The 39-year-old shooter was later sentenced to life plus 10 years.

Detective Del Rio was 55 years old at the time of his death, and had served with the Dayton Police Department for 30 years. He was survived by his wife and four daughters.

Jorge had been assigned to the same DEA task force for 18 years. He was considered an ideal undercover officer, a seasoned investigator, and a consummate professional. He was highly respected for his unwavering courage and proven leadership abilities, and over his long career had received numerous commendations. He was extremely popular and widely known for always being able to cheer people up with his infectious sense of humor and wild laugh. Before joining the force, he had graduated from Indiana University and worked at Elder Beerman, where he met his future wife. He was an avid foodie who loved cooking for his friends and family, working on his cars, and collecting vintage G.I. Joes. In honor of his ultimate sacrifice, a section of Dayton’s East Monument Avenue was renamed Detective Jorge Del Rio Way.