On this date (September 05) 1948-Patrolman (Motorcycle Assignment) William Edward Stafford
On this date (September 05) 1948, a wife lost a husband, his two sons lost a father, his father lost a son, his brother and two sisters lost a brother, his grandmother lost a grandson and Dallas lost a Police Officer.
Patrolman (Motorcycle Assignment) William Edward Stafford, age 25, was pronounced dead on arrival at Parkland Hospital after being struck by an automobile in the 6000 block Harry Hines Boulevard.
Patrolman W.S. Biggio and Patrolman A.L. Curtis, driving south on Harry Hines Boulevard in the area of Record Crossing Road observed a vehicle driving south in the northbound traffic lanes of Harry Hines Boulevard, a median divided roadway.
Officers Biggio and Curtis using the horn of their marked police vehicle, then the red lights and siren attempted to get the driver of the vehicle to stop. These officers were en route to a call at Oaklawn Avenue and Cedar Springs Road.
Officer Stafford then approached on his motorcycle driving north in the northbound lanes and was able to stop the vehicle. At this point Officers Biggio and Curtis continued to their assigned call. Officer Stafford parked his vehicle on the parkway and approached the vehicle as the driver exited.
The driver of the vehicle,Marvin Byrum of Pleasant Mound was informed of the violation and just seconds later a northbound vehicle, driven by Mrs. John H. Jordan of the Bachman area struck both Officer Stafford and Violator Byrum.
This occurred during darkness and there was some lighting, but Mrs. Jordan explained she was blinded by the headlights of approaching vehicles and did not see Officer Stafford and Violator Byrum standing at the side of Violator Byrum’s vehicle.
Officer Stafford was transported, as was Violator Byrum to Parkland Hospital where Officer Stafford was pronounced dead on arrival and Violator Byrum was admitted for treatment of a fractured leg.
Negligent Homicide charges were referred to the Dallas County Grand Jury where they determined a No Indictment regarding Suspect Jordan.
Patrolman (Motorcycle Assignment William Edward Stafford is interred at Crown Hill Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.