Houston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Friday, April 10, 1987
Age: 22
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 4292
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: April 10, 1987
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Convicted for involuntary manslaughter
Officer Maria Groves was struck and killed by a drunk driver while she was setting out a flare pattern at the scene of a crash in the 10600 block of Katy Freeway (I-10) eastbound.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene. The driver was convicted of involuntary manslaughter at his second trial and sentenced to ten years. He was released on parole after only serving two years.
Officer Groves served with the Houston Police Department for two years. She was survived by her father and sister.