Prairie View Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Sunday, September 26, 2004
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: 804
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: September 26, 2004
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 180 days
Officer Christopher Sobieski was killed when his patrol car exploded after being struck from behind by a drunk driver.
The officer had just finished issuing a summons and was sitting on the shoulder of Highway 290 near Liendo Parkway. A pickup truck driven by the drunk driver slammed into the back of his 1999 Crown Victoria, which caused the vehicle to explode.
The drunk driver was convicted of intoxicated manslaughter and sentenced to 180 days in jail, 10 years probation, and was ordered to keep a sign in his front yard with the words "My drunk driving caused the death of Officer Christopher Sobieski" for 1 year.
Officer Sobieski was a United States Military Police veteran who had served with the Prairie View Police Department for 3 years and had previously served for 1 year with the San Jacinto College District Police Department. He is survived by his wife, parents, and sister.