Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma
End of Watch Wednesday, October 5, 1983
Add to My HeroesTravis Leon Bench
Trooper Bench was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man during a traffic stop on State Highway 97. After checking the man's driver's license he learned that the man was driving on a suspended license. As he attempted to make the arrest the suspect ran to his car and retrieved a pistol.
As Trooper Bench took cover behind his cruiser he was struck in the head by a round that passed through the windshield and rear window of his patrol car.
The suspect was originally sentenced to life in prison, but the conviction was overturned in 1997 due to the suspect's mental status. The man was then committed to a state hospital.
Trooper Bench had been with the agency for 1 year.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 1 year
- Badge 697
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Committed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 18 ReflectionsThinking of you today....hard to believe it's been 33 years. I remember it like it was yesterday. Leon was a co-worker of mine at Sapulpa Police Department but more than that he was my friend. Missing you!
Pamela Pollard Mozarko
Friend/Co-Worker Sapulpa Police Department
October 5, 2016
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