U.S. Air Force · United States 
William Sniffen
1973
William P. Sniffen served the U.S. Air Force.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
Mechanism
Motor vehicle
What Happened
Officer William Sniffen was killed in a motorcycle crash while pursuing a speeding motorist on the Nimitz Freeway at 8:30 p.m. The vehicle he was pursuing rear-ended a stalled car and burst into flames. Officer Sniffen was unable to stop and slid underneath the burning vehicle. The subject he was pursuing was arrested for felony drunk driving and felony manslaughter. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 days in jail and three years of probation. Officer Sniffen was a United States Air Force veteran and had served with the California Highway Patrol for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
Also Served
California Highway Patrol
Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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