El Paso Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Monday, June 3, 1974
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: June 3, 1974
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman David Bannister was killed in an automobile accident while chasing a juvenile suspect. The suspect had taken his father's car without permission. During the chase the suspect slammed on the brakes, causing Patrolman Bannister to swerve to avoid a collision.
As Patrolman Bannister swerved his vehicle struck the median of a divided road, a low rock wall erected around planters. His cruiser slid along the top of the wall and flipped, causing a fatal head injury.
Patrolman Bannister was survived by his wife and daughter.