A police sergeant walking home with his daughter was killed with his own gun after he stopped to confront a gang spraying graffiti on a street, police said Saturday.

Sgt. James “Rip” Taylor, 42, died Friday evening after being shot about a block from his home. Police were searching for a suspect.

Taylor, a 16-year veteran who was off duty, was walking with his daughter Christina, 13, when he exchanged words with the group, Cmdr. Ron Freeman said.

“There was an argument that developed, then a fight,” Freeman said. “One of the people took the officer’s gun and shot him.”