Harris County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch: Wednesday, June 12, 2002
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Date of Incident: June 12, 2002
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Two shot and killed; Three apprehended
Deputy Shane Bennett was accidentally shot and killed by another deputy as he and several other deputies responded to a home invasion in the 3000 block of Havner in which shots had been fired.
At least five gang members had broken into the home and were holding a woman and her two-month-old child. Dispatchers who heard shots notified the responding deputies who attempted to enter the home when they arrived. During the exchange of gunfire, two of the suspects were shot and killed, and Deputy Bennett was accidentally shot in the head by another deputy who was positioned behind him. Deputy Bennett was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
All three of the remaining suspects were apprehended within 24 hours and charged with capital murder in connection with Deputy Bennett's death. The suspect who planned the home invasion was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Deputy Bennett had served with the Harris County Sheriff's Office for nine years. He is survived by his wife, 20-month-old daughter, parents, and brother.