Springfield Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Wednesday, December 26, 1979
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: December 24, 1979
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman David Tapscott died from injuries suffered two days earlier after being involved in an automobile crash while responding to a disturbance among patrons at Wanda's Tavern at 10:00 p.m.
Patrolman Tapscott was driving on wet roads when his police vehicle crashed into the center support pylon at the 9th Street railroad overpass. Patrolman Tapscott was transported to the hospital, and after two days on life support, he died as a result of his injuries.
Patrolman Tapscott had served with the Springfield Police Department for five years.
In May 2017, Ninth Street between Converse and Ridgely was renamed Officer David Tapscott Memorial Street.