California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch: Monday, July 10, 1978
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: 6989
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: July 10, 1978
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Officer Ward Washington was struck and killed by a commercial vehicle while he was eating lunch at an outside restaurant at 11:39 am.
The truck blew a tire while driving and went out of control. Officer Ward was killed instantly. His partner and another officer were not seriously hurt.
Officer Washington was a United States Air Force veteran who had served with the California Highway Patrol for 10 years and was assigned to the Truck Inspection Unit. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, three stepchildren, parents, and brother.