Pierce County Sheriff's Department, Washington
End of Watch: Monday, October 16, 1995
Age: 36
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: 271
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 16, 1995
Weapon Used: Handgun; 9 mm
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 40 years
Deputy Sheriff John Bananola was shot and killed while serving a narcotics-related search warrant at a house at 902 E 52nd Street in Tacoma.
Deputy Bananola was the first of a six-man team to enter the house. He was confronted by the suspect and identified himself as an officer. The suspect fired at least ten shots with a 9mm handgun, striking Deputy Bananola nine times. Deputy Bananola was able to return fire and struck the suspect in the groin.
The suspect was found guilty of drug charges but there was a hung jury on the first-degree murder charges. A second trial found the suspect guilty of second-degree murder and he was sentenced to a total of 40 years. During an appeal of the conviction, he was found guilty and given an even longer sentence.
Deputy Bananola was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department for eight years. He is survived by his daughter and stepson.