Sergeant Gary S. Pricher, Tampa Police Department, Florida

Sergeant Gary S. Pricher

Tampa Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Friday, November 4, 1983

Add to My Heroes

Gary S. Pricher

Sergeant Gary Pricher was struck and killed by a drunk driver while assisting stranded bus passengers on State Road 400 eight miles south of Orlando.

He and five other officers were returning from a tactical response team seminar when they stopped to offer their assistance. Another vehicle swerved and struck Sergeant Pricher before fleeing the scene.

The 42-year-old suspect was later apprehended and charged with manslaughter, drunk driving, and hit-and-run. During his trial in 1984 he left the court room and never returned. He was convicted in absentia of manslaughter, hit-and-run, and drunk driving. He was apprehended two years later in Sebring and sent to prison to serve a 15-year sentence.

Sergeant Pricher was survived by his wife and two sons.

Bio

Age 31
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
Offender Sentenced to 15 years

Impaired Driver, hit-and-run, disabled motorist

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 24 Reflections

I had lunch with your brother today. He spoke about you as we discussed not knowing what awaits us each day. I also worked at Tampa PD but never directly for your brother. I can say that he acted like a father figure during my career, making reference to 1,000 points of light. My career began in 1989 so we’ve never met. But if I look at you and your brother with the same values, I would’ve loved knowing you. Dale has always been amongst the first to help any one of us. I value him and thought you should know. God Bless You and the Pricher Family.

MPO Gary Felice (Retired)
Tampa PD

February 11, 2025