Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable Preston Swanguen was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call at a local pool hall. Residents of the town had gone to Constable Swanguen's house as he ate dinner to notify him of the trouble. Because both men involved were known to him, he responded to the pool hall without his revolver.
When he entered the bar one of the men approached him and attempted to shake his hand, however, the constable did not accept the offer initially. When he turned a moment later to shake the man's hand the man shot him twice in the chest, killing him.
As the suspect attempted to flee another patrol attempted to stop him but was also fatally shot. The suspect was eventually taken into custody. He was convicted of both murders and sentenced to life, however, he received a pardon 12 years later.
Constable Swanguen had served as the Temecula constable for several years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-580F7034- 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.
Constable Swanguen served with the Riverside County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Riverside community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Swanguen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable Preston Van Buren Swanguen 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 Riverside County Constable's Office, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Preston Van Buren Swanguen's cause is highlighted.
How Preston Van Buren Swanguen Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Preston Van Buren Swanguen is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Preston Van Buren Swanguen was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Riverside County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
