El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch Sunday, October 22, 1961
Add to My HeroesOra Clyde Owen, Jr.
Deputy Sheriff Ora Owen was struck and killed by a drunk driver near Bijou.
Deputy Owen had been involved in a vehicle crash and was directing traffic around the scene. An off duty deputy was going by and was asked by Deputy Owen to help direct traffic by setting out flares while they awaited the arrival of the California Highway Patrol and a tow truck.
The two deputies had just put out additional flares when an oncoming vehicle fatally struck Deputy Owen at a high rate of speed. The 19-year-driver was arrested and charged with drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter. He was convicted of hit-and-run and manslaughter and sentenced to weekends in jail for three months.
Deputy Owen was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and the Korean War.
Bio
- Age 42
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Arrested
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsDeputy Sheriff Owen,
On today, the 60th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USN during WW II and the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
October 22, 2021
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