Downey Police Department, California
End of Watch: Friday, April 10, 1981
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: 5
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: April 10, 1981
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 5 years probation.
Police Officer Wayne Presley was struck and killed by a drunk driver at the scene of a disabled truck.
Officer Presley and his partner had just gotten back on their motorcycles when the drunk driver hit them at a high rate of speed. Officer Presley was thrown into the truck, and his partner was knocked onto the curb. His partner received major injuries but survived.
A 39-year-old woman was charged with felony drunk driving and manslaughter. She was convicted of both charges, sentenced to five years probation, and fined $1,000.
Officer Presley was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served in law enforcement for nine years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter.