Des Moines Police Department, Iowa
End of Watch Thursday, November 2, 2023
Add to My HeroesPhoukham Tran
Senior Police Officer Phoukham Tran succumbed to injuries he received when he was struck by a drunk driver at the intersection of East 30th Street and East Grand Avenue in Des Moines on August 19, 2011.
Officer Tran was directing traffic at the Iowa State Fair when the driver of a pickup hit him and threw him 47 feet into the air. He was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where he was treated for traumatic brain injury, broken ribs, and ruptured spleen.
The driver was convicted of serious injury by vehicle, operating while intoxicated-2nd offense, and possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to seven years.
Officer Tran remained wheelchair-bound, suffering from seizures and speech, memory, vision, and coordination issues. On November 2, 2023, he passed away from his injuries.
Officer Tran had served with the Des Moines Police Department as a police officer for over 12 years and was a cadet with the agency for 18 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 65
- Tour 12 years, 6 months
- Badge 4938
Incident Details
- Cause Struck by vehicle
- Incident Date Friday, August 19, 2011
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Sentenced to 7 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 3 ReflectionsI only met Officer Tran when he was a new cadet. Always smiling and giving everyone care and respect. Thank you for your service Officer Tran. You will always be honored and remembered.
Tonya LaFarr
Private Citizen, Law Enforcement Supporter
May 15, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024