Garden Grove Police Department, California
End of Watch: Friday, November 7, 1980
Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 6 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: November 7, 1980
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Charged with manslaughter
Officer Michael Rainford was struck and killed by a drunk driver on the Garden Grove Freeway near Harbor Boulevard.
He had just made a traffic stop and was exiting his patrol car when the drunk driver crashed into the back of his vehicle and then struck him. He was thrown 30 yards by the impact.
A 42-year-old woman was later apprehended and charged with drunk driving, hit-and-run, and manslaughter.
Officer Rainford had served with the Garden Grove Police Department as a full-time officer for six months and had previously served as a reserve officer for two years. He was survived by his expectant wife.