Sturbridge Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch: Saturday, September 15, 1979
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: September 15, 1979
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Released
Patrolman Richard Dupre was struck and killed by a drunk driver while working a traffic detail on Route 20, between Main Street and Burgess School Road.
The drunk driver was attempting to pass another car in a no-passing zone at the time. The driver fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later. The suspect received only a minimal sentence and was released from jail within one year.
Patrolman Dupre was a former Explorer for the Sturbridge Police Department and had served as an officer with the agency for six years. He is survived by his wife and two children.