Prev
Incident
Patrolman Harold Harless was killed when his patrol car was struck by while he was conducting a roadblock on Patterson Road and Palmer Avenue. The other vehicle had struck a California Highway Patrol car and was being pursued by the trooper. During the pursuit, the driver turned off the car's headlights. He struck Patrolman Harless' patrol car while traveling at an estimated 100 mph. The 28-year-old suspect was critically injured and charged with manslaughter. Patrolman Harless had served with the Riverbank Police Department for 7 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmyxpdfw1dm1bx7hf87t- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Harold. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Harless gave the Riverbank Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Riverbank community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Harless.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Harold is the only officer of Riverbank Police Department remembered here.
Harold is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Harold is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harold is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1965, 9 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1965, 78 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1965, 80 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harold was 42. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Harold had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harold was 42. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Harold had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harold was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Harold had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 9.3% of these deaths in CA, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.8%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Riverbank Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 9.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Riverbank Police Department are honored on badge.nw.