Prev
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
neuraspine_01krbxtq0x637jhs2h4d5m151s- 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 Preston. 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.
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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Riverside County Constable's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Preston is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Preston is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Preston is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1907, 12 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1907, 108 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1907, 109 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Preston was 44. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35.
Preston was 44. 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.
Preston was 44. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 8.2% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 12%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Riverside County Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.9% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Riverside County Constable's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Preston among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Riverside County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.