Sergeant Ezra Sutherland

Sergeant Ezra Sutherland and Patrolman Warren Pool were travelling north on Dixie Highway (U.S. 31-W) when another vehicle, travelling south on the wrong side of the divided highway, struck their cruiser head-on. Patrolman Pool, the passenger, suffered only minor injuries. Sergeant Sutherland, the driver, died from internal injuries received when his chest struck the steering wheel.

The driver of the other vehicle, Cpl. Kenneth C. Crane, 23, Fort Knox, fled the accident scene and was arrested a short time later near Pleasure Ridge, about a mile away, and charged with manslaughter, assault and battery, reckless driving, and failure to stop and render aid.

Sergeant Sutherland formerly served as a county alcohol beverage control investigator.