Cranford Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch: Tuesday, February 11, 1975
Age: 45
Tour of Duty: 19 years
Badge Number: 26
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: February 11, 1975
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Patrolman Hand was killed in an automobile accident during a pursuit. He had attempted to stop the vehicle and lost track of it. Approximately ten minutes later the vehicle pulled out in front of him and he began to pursue it again.
During the chase Patrolman Hand's vehicle went out of control and crashed through the window of a glass store. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect he was chasing was apprehended at a roadblock but was later found not guilty.
Patrolman Hand had served with the agency for 19 years. He was survived by his two sons and two daughters.