Huron Police Department, California
End of Watch: Sunday, June 13, 1976
Age: 21
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: 8
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: June 13, 1976
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Sentenced to one year
Officer John Palacios was struck and killed by a drunk driver while assisting at the scene of an accident on State Route 198, near State Route 269 in Fresno County. Officer Palacios was struck by the drunk driver while conducting traffic control at the accident scene.
The suspect was taken into custody after being detained by three citizens. He was sentenced to one year in prison.
Officer Palacios had been sworn in as a Huron Police officer only three weeks before the accident after serving as a reserve officer for one year. He was survived by his expectant wife and daughter