Deputy Sheriff William Joseph (Joe) Hudnall Jr.
Kern County Sheriff's Department
California
End of Watch: Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Biographical Info
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: 754

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Not available

Deputy William Hudnall was killed when his department SUV was struck head-on by a drunk driver on Highway 178 in Kern River Canyon.

The collision caused Deputy Hudnall's patrol car to plummet 100 feet down the canyon.

Deputy Hudnall was transported to Kern Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. A prisoner that Deputy Hudnall was transporting to jail was injured in the crash.

The drunk driver was charged with vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI.

Deputy Hudnall had served with the Kern County Sheriff's Department for 9 years. He is survived by his wife, four children, and one grandson.