Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Robert Powers was killed when his police motorcycle was struck head-on by a drunk driver who was driving on the wrong side of Barnett Avenue near the U.S. Naval Training Station. The impact of the accident caused Patrolman Powers to be thrown over his handlebars and through the vehicle's windshield. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect was convicted of drunk driving, violation of the Volstead Act, and manslaughter and sentenced to five years. Patrolman Powers had served with the agency for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-A2AC28C5- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Powers gave the San Diego Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the San Diego community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Powers.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Robert Lee Powers is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At San Diego Police Dept., 27 of 38 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 71.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert Lee Powers's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Lee Powers Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to five years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Lee Powers is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Lee Powers was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
37 officers from San Diego Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
