A sheriff’s deputy was fatally injured and another was hurt when their patrol car, traveling at high speed to a home burglary in progress, went out of control and slammed into a tree on June 16.

James P. Clark, 29, of Los Angeles – a seven-year veteran of the force – died at Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital about 2:00 a.m. His partner, James F. Marr, 24, also of Los Angeles, suffered a dislocated shoulder. The accident occurred shortly before midnight in the Windsor Hills Area as the deputies rushed to a home where a woman reported hearing someone trying to enter the house.

As the patrol car raced down Mullen Avenue, officers said, it veered out of control on a curve and hit a large tree.

Clark, who was driving, is survived by his wife, Patricia, who is expecting their second child in January. The couple have a 3-year-old daughter De Anna.

Department officials said Clark had a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Los Angeles.

His first assignment in the law enforcement field was in May 1976 with the Culver City Police Department as a Community Service Officer.

On July 29, 1977, he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. As a member of the department, he served in several capacities including Custody Division and Special Investigation Bureau. In April of 1981, James transferred to the Patrol Division West Lennox Station.

Funeral services were held at the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church with interment at Inglewood Memorial Park.