California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch Saturday, April 6, 1985
Add to My HeroesDavid W. Copleman
Officer Copleman was killed in an automobile accident while pursuing a speeding motorist in Ventura County. During the pursuit an oncoming van swerved to avoid traffic, colliding head-on and killing Officer Copleman. The motorcycle driver was eventually apprehended and charged in connection with Officer Copleman's death.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour Not available
- Badge 10503
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicle pursuit
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 28 ReflectionsDavid and I were classmates at the CHP Academy, graduating together on 3/3/83. I remember him well and we had some funny times at the Academy. Hearing the news of his death through our agency notification process was very sad. My sincerest sympathy and condolences to his family.
Chief Michael S. Champion (retired)
California Highway Patrol
January 14, 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