Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Saturday, March 7, 1953
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 230
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: March 7, 1953
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Guilty of reckless driving
Patrolman Robert Bastin was killed when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver at the intersection of West Court and John Streets. The suspect was apprehended and charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving. He was found guilty of reckless driving and was fined with a license suspension for six months.
Patrolman Bastin had served with the Cincinnati Police Division for two years and had previously served with the United States Marine Corps where he served at Okinawa and received the purple heart and bronze star during World War II. He was survived by his wife, mother, three sisters, and a brother, and is buried in Walnut Hills Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio.