California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch Saturday, May 13, 1978
Add to My HeroesWilliam F. Leiphardt, Jr.
Officer William Leiphardt and Officer Harold Horine were struck and killed by a drunk driver while investigating a previous accident. While they were standing on the shoulder the drunk driver, driving a tractor trailer, swerved off the road and struck the vehicle, pushing it into the two officers.
The driver was charged with drunk driving and manslaughter and was sentenced to 26 weekends in jail.
Officer Leiphardt had been with the agency for 12 years.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 12 years
- Badge 4991
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Sentenced to 26 weekends in jail
Most Recent Reflection
View all 23 ReflectionsThank you for your service. You and your partner gave the ultimate for our beloved Blue & Gold. Rest In Peace.
State Traffic Officer 7185.
California Highway Patrol & US Marine
May 13, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026

