Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas
End of Watch: Sunday, May 21, 1989
Age: 36
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: May 21, 1989
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 10 years
Sergeant Kuhnle and Trooper Ralph Zerda were killed when a drunk truck driver crashed his tractor-trailer into their parked patrol car. The officers were parked on the shoulder after stopping another drunk driver.
The drunk driver was sentenced to two concurrent 10-year sentences in prison but was released after serving only four years.
Sergeant Kuhnle had served with the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.