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Police Officer William Leonard Sikola | Bakersfield Police Department, California
Bakersfield Police Department, California

Police Officer

William Leonard Sikola

Bakersfield Police Department, California

End of Watch: Sunday, July 17, 1983

Biographical Info

Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 480

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: July 17, 1983
Weapon Used: Automobile; Motorcycle
Suspect Info: Not available

Officer William Sikola was killed in a motorcycle crash while responding to assist in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle on Highway 99.

Officer Sikola was driving home from finishing his shift, and a call came on the radio about a stolen vehicle from a local car dealer. Officer Sikola joined the pursuit and got a "high-speed wobble" from the motorcycle. He received extensive head injuries from his shorty bell helmet and died 4 hours later.

Officer Sikola had served with the Bakersfield Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and three children.