La. Police officer dies on his way to testify in murder case

By means of Michelle Hunter

Source The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Lawyer

A Kenner police officer who drove to court to testify in a murder trial 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, a thoughtful, thorough professional, Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said Thursday.

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

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

It appears Foltz suffered a medical emergency while driving westbound on the highway and stopped on the side of the roadway at the Tchoupitoulas exit, according to Conley.

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

Unfortunately, Foltz could not be revived.

“Pete dedicated his life and career to the people of Kenner, and he did it very well,” Conley said. “Even his last act, in the worst situation of his life, he thought enough to stop and not endanger the public.”

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

His work often brought him into contact with prosecutors and staff at the Jefferson Parish Children’s Advocacy Center, an agency that helps investigate child abuse and provides treatment to victims.

Foltz was promoted to sergeant in September and returned to road patrol.

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

The department has seen an outpouring of emotion and support as word of the death has spread. Foltz touched many in the community, according to Conley, who called him a gentleman and a professional.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized. Foltz died in the line of duty and will receive full credit, Conley said.

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