Police said it was unclear what Officer Hernandez had done in the five hours after midnight.

Several officers said they could all too easily see themselves in Officer Hernandez's shoes.

One aspect of the investigation will be Officer Hernandez's condition, the police said.

The others then set upon Officer Hernandez, who collapsed under their kicks.

Officer Hernandez had been at several bars that evening after finishing his 4 to midnight tour, the authorities say.

Officer Hernandez remains in very critical condition, and so far the police say they have rounded up four of his six assailants.

Officer Hernandez's life moved at a fast clip, a business major one moment, in a patrol car the next.

Officer Hernandez was not given to boast, and his friends said he was more likely to listen to a good story than tell one himself.

Officer Hernandez's funeral was the latest in a recent string of department funerals.

The police said Officer Hernandez had not made any statements.