On Thursday, September 23, 1965, Deputy Peebles, assigned to the Motorcycle Division, was off duty escorting a funeral to supplement his $460 a month salary. As he was stationary in the center lane of the 6200 block of the Eastex Freeway, a vehicle attempting to pass the procession at a high rate of speed struck him. The 18 year-old driving the vehicle fled on foot, but was later captured by an off duty police officer and several citizens. Deputy Peebles died as a result of massive head and internal injuries. Deputy Peebles was 30 years old.