California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch: Thursday, November 15, 1990
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: 10404
Cause of Death: Motorcycle crash
Date of Incident: November 15, 1990
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Officer James O'Connor was killed when his motorcycle was struck head-on by another vehicle.
Officer O'Connor and three fellow officers were returning from a motorcycle training session in Santa Maria. Officer O'Connor was riding in the left rear position of a box formation with the other officers on California 154 outside Santa Ynez when a car veered into the path of the motorcyclists. Three officers managed to swerve, but Officer O'Connor was struck head-on and thrown 60 feet, his helmet knocked loose by the impact. He was transported to Santa Ynez Valley Hospital where he died from his injuries.
The 78-year-old driver of the car was not cited in the incident.
Officer O'Connor had served with the California Highway Patrol for eight years and was assigned to Ventura. He was survived by his wife, who was also a California Highway Patrol Officer, and three stepdaughters.