Iowa State Patrol, Iowa
End of Watch: Saturday, July 2, 1955
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: 218
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: July 2, 1955
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Patrolman Ralph Garthwaite was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on by a drunk driver on Highway 30 two miles north of Woodbine.
The incident occurred on a bridge as Patrolman Garhwaite travelled northbound towards Dunlap, Iowa.
The subject was charged with manslaughter. A jury found him innocent November 30th, 1956.
Patrolman Garthwaite had served with the Iowa State Patrol for three years.