Officer William L. Reardon

Officer William L. Reardon

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Sunday, October 20, 1946

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William L. Reardon

Officer William Reardon was struck and killed by a drunk driver while monitoring traffic.

Officer Reardon was standing near his motorcycle on U.S. Highway 99 near Newhall when the incident occurred. Officer Reardon's wife was close-by and witnessed the accident.

The car, which had no brakes, was being driven by a 23-year-old woman. She was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to one year in jail, fined $500.00, and given three years probation. Her boyfriend, a passenger, and owner of the car, was charged with public drunkenness after he interfered with officers at the scene. He was sentenced to six months in jail; the stiffest penalty ever given for public drunkenness.

Officer Reardon was a United States Army WWI veteran who had served with the California Highway Patrol for 14 years and previously served with the Glendale Police Department and Los Angeles County Traffic Squad. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and a daughter.

Bio

  • Age 52
  • Tour 30 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicular assault
  • Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
  • Offender Sentenced to 1 year

Impaired Driver, traffic patrol

Most Recent Reflection

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Thank you for your service.

Tim Liddell
CA Hwy Patrol 5342 ( retired )

May 22, 2023

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