Orange County Sheriff's Department, California
End of Watch: Tuesday, November 19, 1940
Age: 50
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: November 19, 1940
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Charged with homicide
Deputy Sheriff Ezra Stanley was burned to death in an automobile accident when his patrol car was struck from behind and burst into flames.
He was patrolling the Pacific Coast Highway between Sunset Beach and Huntington Beach at the time of the crash. Another deputy riding with him at the time was injured and hospitalized but recovered from his injuries.
The driver of the car that struck him was charged with negligent homicide and drunk driving.
Deputy Stanley had served with the Orange County Sheriff's Department for six years and had previously served as a constable in Fullerton Township for three years. He was survived by his wife.