Galveston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Thursday, March 11, 1948
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: 273
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 11, 1948
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: 2 years suspended
Officer Bennie Elrod was shot and killed in the city jail at 10:00 pm after arresting a husband and wife for fighting at a downtown bar.
While at the jail, the un-handcuffed wife grabbed Officer Elrod from behind, pinning his arms. The husband then grabbed Officer Elrod's .45 caliber service weapon and shot him twice at close range.
Both suspects were kept in custody after the incident. The man received a two-year suspended sentence.
Officer Elrod was a United States Army WWII veteran. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
He is buried at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, Harris County, Texas.