Utah Highway Patrol, Utah
End of Watch: Tuesday, November 7, 1978
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 7, 1978
Weapon Used: Handgun; .357 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Trooper Ray Pierson was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on Highway 20, approximately 1-1/2 miles west of Route 89, north of Panguitch.
Unbeknownst to Trooper Pierson, the vehicle had been stolen and the driver, a fugitive from Illinois, had just stolen gas from a service station. While talking to the driver, the man suddenly produced a .357 caliber handgun and shot Trooper Pierson in the chest. Trooper Pierson was able to return fire as the suspect fled but did not strike him.
The man was apprehended following a high-speed pursuit and his attempt to crash through a police roadblock near Beaver.
The 18-year-old man was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on July 19th, 1979. He was granted parole in September 2019.
Trooper Pierson was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He had served with the Utah Highway Patrol for four years and had previously served with the Parowan Police Department. He was survived by his expectant wife, daughter, and two sons. His father also served with the agency.