Modesto Police Department, California
End of Watch: Monday, May 21, 1973
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 43
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: May 21, 1973
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Never apprehended
Police Officer Bobby Volk was killed in an automobile crash during a vehicle pursuit on Yosemite Boulevard.
In the early morning hours, Officer Volk was pursuing a fugitive vehicle, and a car pulled in front of him. Officer Volk, to avoid a collision, swerved, and the right front tire of his patrol car deflated, causing him to lose control. The patrol car skidded into a construction site, where it hit a large concrete block. The force of the collision was so severe the car was thrown into reverse, causing it to accelerate 130 feet backward before hitting a light pole and coming to rest.
Officer Volk was pinned in the wreckage for 40 minutes before rescue crews could remove him and rush him to the hospital. During that time, he regained consciousness but was only able to say "chasing . . . orange GTO." The driver of the car was never found, and the crime he committed to cause Officer Volk to pursue him remains unknown.
At 7:30 a.m., Officer Volk died from injuries sustained in the wreck.
Officer Volk had served with the Modesto Police Department for 2 1/2 years. He was survived by his wife and infant son.
He was the first Modesto police officer to die in the line of duty. His badge was retired from service.