Fullerton Police Department, California
End of Watch: Monday, June 30, 1975
Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 5 months
Badge Number: 499
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: June 29, 1975
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Charged with DWI
Police Officer Jerry Hatch succumbed to injuries he received when he was struck by a drunk driver on Freeway 91 in Orange County.
He was on his way to work at 10:00 p.m. when he stopped to assist a motorist whose car was on fire. He had just finished extinguishing the vehicle fire and was replacing the items in his trunk when he was struck. He was transported to West Anaheim Community Hospital where he died from his injuries.
The 28-year-old subject was charged with felony DWI and jailed under a $2,500.00 bond.
He had served with the Fullerton Police Department for five months. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.