Guadalupe Police Department, California
End of Watch: Sunday, April 13, 1969
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 5
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: April 13, 1969
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 18 months
Officer Sanchez was transporting three prisoners to the jail in Santa Maria when his vehicle was struck by a vehicle being operated by a drunk driver. Two of the prisoners, ages 16 and 25, were also killed. The 3rd 20-year-old prisoner and Officer Sanchez's 25-year-old partner who was driving were hospitalized.
The 35-year-old driver of the other car, father of 8 children, was convicted of reckless driving and one count of manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in jail.
Officer Sanchez had served with the Guadalupe Police Department for 4 years. He had four brothers and a sister-in-law who served in law enforcement.