Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas
End of Watch Sunday, May 21, 1989
Add to My HeroesRalph George Zerda
Trooper Ralph Zerda and Sergeant William Kuhnle were killed when a drunk truck driver crashed his tractor-trailer into their parked patrol car at 3:00 am.
The officers were parked on the shoulder of westbound US 9 near Road 1604 after stopping another drunk driver. They were crushed between their patrol vehicle and the vehicle they had stopped.
The drunk driver was sentenced to two concurrent 10-year sentences in prison but was released after serving only four years.
Trooper Zerda had served with the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol for five years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 5 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Sentenced to 10 years
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