Houston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Thursday, January 30, 1975
Add to My HeroesJohn Terrell Bamsch
Officer Johnny Bamsch was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect during a robbery-in-progress call at a convenience store at Yale and Norview at 1 a.m. As he and his partner pursued the suspects, gunfire was exchanged, and Officer Bamsch was struck in the shoulder. He was transported to Parkway Hospital where he was pronounced dead. One of the suspects, 18, hit with a shotgun blast in the back, fired by his partner, was hospitalized in serious condition. The other two escaped.
The suspect, 18, also the killer, was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison. As of January 1, 2022, he was in prison.
Officer Bamsch was a U.S Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and had served with the Houston Police Department for two and a half years. He was survived by his expectant wife and parents.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 2 years, 6 months
- Badge 1388
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 25 ReflectionsJohnny is my cousin, he was a born again Christian and I’m looking forward to seeing him again. We grew up together and trailed through the NW Houston woods as children where Shepherd Forest development is now. Later we were hunting buddies in deep East Texas with other relatives near Lufkin. We were both in Vietnam during the 1968 Tet Offensive at the same time. I always looked up to Johnny and we have many blessed memories together. I love him very much and knowing Johnny, he is front and center volunteering for any difficult task that Jesus needs accomplished.. Simper Fi Brother Johnny <><
Capt David A Trifon, USAF
Christian Brother and close cousin
August 30, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Correctional Officer I Robert Clark
Georgia Department of Corrections, GA
EOW: October 1, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Jacob Eric Salrin
Richland County Sheriff's Department, SC
EOW: September 29, 2023
Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin-Sandoval
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: September 28, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023
Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023
Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023
Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023
Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023