Special Officer William W. Wiles

William W. Wiles

Special Officer Wiles was shot and killed while investigating an illegal still. As Officer Wiles attempted to arrest the suspect at the still the man ran back to his car and grabbed a handgun. The suspect then opened fire on Officer Wiles, killing him. The man claimed he shot in self defense and was convicted of manslaughter after two trials.

Officer Wiles was assigned the Prohibition Squad at the time of his death. He had been with the agency for one year and had previously served as a constable for Wasco for eight years. He was survived by his wife and three children.