Southfield Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Sunday, August 5, 1962
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: August 5, 1962
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Never apprehended
Police Officer Donald Harding was killed while pursuing drag racers on Eight Mile Road.
Officer Harding and his partner spotted two cars attempting to race near Beech Road. As they pursued the vehicles, one of them intentionally swerved toward the patrol vehicle, forcing them to skid on the road. The car struck a tree. Officer Harding was killed instantly. His partner was critically injured.
The driver of the vehicle was never apprehended.
Officer Harding was a United States National Guard veteran and had served with the Southfield Police Department for one year. He was survived by his wife and daughter.