Lorenzo Bustos

On July 29, 2022, Deputy Sheriff Lorenzo Bustos was struck and killed by a drunk driver while conducting a traffic stop on State Highway 155. His partner, in the patrol vehicle at the time of the crash, immediately administered aid. Bustos was then transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Bustos attended Chapel Hill High School, where he met his wife, Gloria in 2009 and they married in 2011. Bustos’ greatest joy was being a father to his three children. He enjoyed reading to them and telling them stories about “catching bad guys.” As a family, he and his wife and children spent a lot of time outdoors, tent camping, kayaking, fishing and hunting.

Deputy Bustos had served with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office for six months and was on his final night of field training. Prior to his time with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Bustos served with the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office for one year and the Henderson Police Department for one year. He began his law enforcement career in 2012 with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a Corrections Officer and was promoted to Sergeant in 2016. He decided to further his education and training, attending the East Texas Police Academy starting in 2019, while still working full-time at the prison.

Bustos is remembered for his devotion and love for his family. He is remembered by his colleagues for his dedication to serving the community and consistently adhering to a strict code of ethics, as well as working to better himself as a law enforcement officer.

Deputy Sheriff Lorenzo Bustos is survived by his wife, Gloria, and children, Hunter, Emma, and Jacob.