His wife
Patrolman Bryant was patrolling Beat 47 in the west end of Louisville where he discovered what appeared to be a broken down vehicle with 4 occupants.
Unbeknown to Patrolman Bryant, the four occupants were planning to rob a local bank and the vehicle had been recently stolen from the Louisville police chief. The vehicle was stolen so that the occupants could listen to the police radio during the robbery.
As Patrolman Bryant approached the car the occupants opened fire, striking and killing Patrolman Bryant.
Three of the suspects were apprehended within a few days and fourth was apprehended several months later.
There are currently no tributes for Patrolman William Preston Bryant.