Sergeant Dave LaRue Sandler, Indianapolis Police Department, Indiana

Sergeant Dave LaRue Sandler

Indianapolis Police Department, Indiana

End of Watch Wednesday, June 4, 1986

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Dave LaRue Sandler

Sergeant Dave Sandler was killed in a motorcycle crash at an intersection in the 2700 block of Madison Avenue at about 8:30 pm.

Another vehicle attempted to make a left turn in front of him when the collision occurred. Sergeant Sandler was transported to Wishard Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators believed that the bulb in his motorcycle's headlight burnt out or experienced a mechanical failure because a witness stated that the headlight was not at the time of the crash. The motorcycle's headlight was supposed to turn on when the engine was running. Because it was dusk, Sergeant Sandler would not have realized that the light was not working.

Sergeant Sandler had served with the Indianapolis Police Department for 24 years. He was survived by his wife, four daughters, and six grandchildren.

Bio

Age 48
Tour 24 years
Badge 842

Incident Details

Cause Motorcycle crash

mechanical failure, motorcycle

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Hi Dave,

My name is Angel Arreola, and I am known as a member of "Concerns of Police Survivors" since attending the Adult Children’s Retreat in 2021. During the retreat, I met your daughter at Potosi, Missouri since June 2021, are wonderful children survivors. They are smile joys, kind, & filled with laugh and love.

I am grateful for the friendships I’ve developed with your 4 daughters. Our time together in Potosi, Missouri, in 2021 was truly special.

I also met your wife in Washington, DC, during National Police Week. I am glad to hear that she has a good life expectancy. I’m truly sorry you went through such difficult times after your tragic accident in 1986. I was born in 1998, and I lost my own father in 2009, so I understand grief.

You were a blessing to your community through your commitment to the Indianapolis Police Department, and you are deserving an award.

Sincerely,
Angel Arreola
My father Cesar A. Arreola
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (TX)
EOW: January 18, 2009

Angel A Arreola, from El Paso, TX

January 16, 2025