Scioto County Sheriff's Office, Ohio
End of Watch Sunday, April 8, 1928
Add to My HeroesJohn Henry Bending
Sheriff's Deputies John Bending and Green Willis responded to a battery call where two suspects were wanted for stabbing another citizen because he refused to buy them whiskey.
When the deputies arrived on the scene, they failed to hear warnings from another deputy that both suspects were armed. Both deputies were ambushed before they could get out of their car. Deputy Bending was shot in the head and killed instantly. Deputy Willis was shot in the abdomen and died three years later from the injuries he sustained in this incident.
Other officers returned fire killing one suspect and wounding the other. That suspect, 19, was convicted of Deputy Bending's murder and sentenced to life in prison on May 17, 1928.
Deputy Bending had served with the Scioto County Sheriff's Office for five years. He is survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 5 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender One sentenced to life; one killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! Please help me honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff John Henry Bending of the Scioto County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 62 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
April 8, 2025
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