Officer Gary Lee Hughes

Officer Gary Lee Hughes

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Sunday, May 23, 1976

Add to My Heroes

Gary Lee Hughes

Officer Gary Hughes was killed when his cruiser was struck from behind by a drunk driver.

He and his partner had just arrested another drunk driver, and he and Officer Hughes were sitting in the back seat of his cruiser, which was still parked on the shoulder. The driver of a wrecker was preparing to tow the suspect's truck. A pickup truck driven by the second drunk driver swerved off the road and crushed the patrol car killing Officer Hughes and seriously injuring his partner, who was standing outside of the vehicle. The force of the impact slammed the patrol car into his partner and the wrecker driver, who died from injuries he received in a hospital a few days later. The drunk driver who was arrested first was slightly injured.

The 27-year-old driver of the pickup truck was charged with felony drunk driving and two counts of manslaughter.

Officer Hughes had been with the California Highway Patrol for 11 years.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour 11 years
  • Badge 3401

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicular assault
  • Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
  • Offender Charged with manslaughter

Impaired Driver

Most Recent Reflection

View all 28 Reflections

Condolences to his family

Carson loveless

April 22, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.