Officer Byron William Riley, Hollywood Police Department, Florida

Officer Byron William Riley

Hollywood Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Thursday, August 30, 1973

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Byron William Riley

Officer Byron Riley and Officer Phillip Yourman were killed in an automobile crash while pursuing a purse snatcher.

The two officers were in an unmarked unit when they observed the crime. As they chased the suspect vehicle into a residential area the patrol car went out of control and struck a palm tree as they made a U-turn on Hollywood Boulevard at 57th Avenue. Both officers suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The suspect they were chasing was never apprehended.

Officer Riley was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the Hollywood Police Department for three years. He was survived by his expectant wife.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 3 years
Badge 002
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Vehicle pursuit
Weapon Automobile
Offender Never apprehended

EDP, vehicle pursuit

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Most Recent Reflection

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The corner where you and Officer Yourman made your ultimate sacrifice is still there after many many years. My doctors office is a block away from
the site. I pass by that corner at least once a month going to and from my doctor office. Each time that I pass that corner, I say a silent prayer of remembrance for you both.

A memorial book binder that I made in your honor rests in the Hollywood Police Department Records Division. Always Remembered!

Christian Durante
•Retired Volunteer NYPD Auxiliary Police Sergeant
NYPD 68th Pct Auxiliary Police Unit
•DHS Federal Employee
• USCG Auxiliary

April 20, 2025