Private William Ray Clements

Private William Ray Clements

Seat Pleasant Police Department, Maryland

End of Watch Saturday, November 30, 1968

Add to My Heroes

William Ray Clements

Private William Clements and Private Robert Yeszerski, of the Prince George's County Police Department, were shot and killed while supervising the towing of a vehicle from an apartment complex parking lot on Greig Court in Seat Pleasant.

The owner of the vehicle had threatened Private Clements two days earlier when he was warned that the vehicle would be towed. As the tow truck driver was preparing to leave with the vehicle, the owner approached the officers, pulled out a .38 caliber handgun, and shot both several times. The suspect was shot and wounded by another Seat Pleasant police officer arriving on the scene.

The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life April 17, 1969.

Private Clements was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had served with the Seat Pleasant Police Department for four years. He had previously served with the Mt. Rainer Police Department and Brentwood Police Department. He is survived by his wife and child and is buried in Ft. Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, Prince George's County, Maryland.

Bio

  • Age 24
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge 331
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 23 Reflections

On this actual anniversary of your death I’d like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

November 30, 2020

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.