Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Tuesday, March 6, 1979
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 9 years, 6 months
Badge Number: P082
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 6, 1979
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Officer Dennis Bennington and Officer Robert Seiffert were shot and killed during a traffic stop of a man with an aggravated robbery warrant on Oak and May Streets in Cincinnati.
As Officer Bennington approached the suspect from the side Officer Seiffert approached from the rear. The suspect shot Officer Bennington in the chest and fired over his shoulder as he got back in his car, striking Officer Seiffert in the head as he dove for cover.
Officer Bennington was able to stand back up and return fire, striking the suspect in the head and killing him. Both officers were transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Officer Bennington had served with the Cincinnati Police Department for 9.5 years. He was survived by his wife, two children, and parents.