Winter Garden Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Saturday, August 22, 1942
Age: 36
Tour of Duty: 6 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 22, 1942
Weapon Used: Handgun; .32 caliber
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Patrolman Bill Benton was shot and killed when he and another officer responded to a pool hall after receiving reports of a man with a concealed weapon.
When the officers attempted to grab the man, he drew a .32 caliber pistol and shot Patrolman Benton below the heart. The other officer was able to arrest the 39-year-old suspect.
Patrolman Benton had served with the Winter Garden Police Department for only six months but had previous law enforcement experience. He was survived by his wife, five children, and two brothers.