Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Bryant succumbed to gunshot wounds the previous day when he was shot during a traffic stop while patrolling Beat 47 in the West End near the intersection of 43rd Street and Garland Avenue. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Bryant, the four occupants were planning to rob a local bank and the vehicle had been stolen from the Louisville police chief so the occupants could listen to the police radio during the robbery. Three of the suspects were apprehended within a few days and fourth was apprehended several months later. The shooter pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 21 years in prison Patrolman Bryant had served with the Louisville Police Department for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-1638C3F7- 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 Bryant gave the Louisville Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Bryant.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William Preston Bryant 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 KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Louisville Police Department, 51 of 91 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Preston Bryant's cause is highlighted.
How William Preston Bryant Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 21 years in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Preston Bryant is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Preston Bryant was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
90 officers from Louisville Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
