Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma
End of Watch: Wednesday, April 27, 1977
Age: 49
Tour of Duty: 19 years
Badge Number: 19
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: April 27, 1977
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 5 years
Lieutenant Howell was struck and killed by a drunk driver while assisting a motorist and his pregnant wife in Oklahoma City. As he was talking to the couple in their vehicle, the intoxicated driver swerved into the left lane, ran a car off the road, and struck him. The suspect was later apprehended by Oklahoma City police officers.
The 59-year-old subject was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 5 years in prison. After serving two years he was denied parole.
Lieutenant Howell had been with the agency for 19 years.