Officer John Bailey

Officer John Bailey

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Saturday, February 25, 2006

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John Bailey

Officer John Bailey was struck and killed by a drunk driver while conducting a traffic stop on I-15, north of Oak Hill Road in Hesperia.

He had approached the stopped vehicle on the passenger side to speak with the driver. As he did so, another vehicle traveled onto the shoulder at a high rate of speed and struck Officer Bailey's motorcycle, the stopped vehicle, and the officer.

The vehicle struck with such force that the stopped vehicle was pushed back into the freeway and overturned. All three parties were flown to a local hospital where Officer Bailey succumbed to his injuries.

The suspected drunk driver was taken into custody at the hospital and charged with felony driving under the influence. On July 27th, 2007, he plead guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter and agreed to receive the maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison.

Officer Bailey was a veteran of the United States Army and the California National Guard and had just returned from serving a tour of duty in Iraq during the War on Terrorism. He had served with the California Highway Patrol for 11 years and was assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga office. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, two sons, parents, and sister.

Bio

  • Age 36
  • Tour 11 years
  • Badge 14664
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicular assault
  • Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
  • Offender Sentenced to 10 years

traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

View all 311 Reflections

John,
You and I served together in Iraq in 2004-2005. I came to the unit 2 weeks after completing Basic and AIT and the first time we met was 09/11/2004 in Mather California. Today I sit in an office in Lubbock Texas after finding a video you and I made with C. Co 1/140th AVN RGMT. In this video we make fun of all things military, "WETSU, SNAFU, BOHICO". In this video we pose as if you are yelling at me for screwing up, well because I was only 19 and very wet behind the ears. You were a role model to me and I remember talking about joining the CHP and looking to you to be my mentor through the process. I made it into Law Enforcement and have been an officer since 2006. I am assigned to my departments Major Crash Investigations Unit and I have you to thank for motivating me and encouraging me to achieve, you saw something in me John and I will forever hold you close to my heart.

Officer Christopher King
Lubbock Police Department (Friend)

November 17, 2023

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