Missoula Police Department, Montana
End of Watch: Friday, November 5, 1982
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: November 5, 1982
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 6 months
Officer Stephen LePiane was killed when his cruiser was broadsided by a drunk driver at approximately 2:00 am at the intersection of old Highway 10 and Mullen Road.
He was following another officer as backup on a traffic stop when a vehicle ran a stop sign at a high rate of speed and struck his patrol car on the driver's side door. Although he was wearing his seatbelt, the impact caused him to be ejected from the vehicle. The other officer observed the accident in his mirror and immediately turned around.
The 25-year-old driver was apprehended and later convicted of negligent homicide. He was sentenced to six months in jail and ordered to pay for Officer LePiane's funeral and the value of the police car, which amounted to $12,500.00.
Officer LePiane had served with the Missoula Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, father, and three siblings.