Reserve Deputy Sheriff William Charles Coen

William Charles Coen

Reserve Deputy Charley Coen was killed in a single-vehicle crash shortly after midnight while responding to backup a police officer in Laverne.

He was traveling on Highway 64, about two miles west of Buffalo, when his Dodge Charger patrol car left the roadway on a curve and struck several large hay bales. The hay bales covered the patrol car, trapping him inside. He was able to radio dispatchers and inform them he was trapped before the heat from the vehicle ignited the hay bales and caused the vehicle to fill with smoke. Deputy Coen was overcome by smoke inhalation before rescue units arrived at the scene.

Deputy Coen had served in law enforcement for two years. In addition to being a reserve deputy, he also served as a full time police officer with the Laverne Police Department. He is survived by his wife and two children.