Officer William L. Reardon

William L. Reardon

Officer 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. He 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.