Charlestown Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Add to My HeroesBenton Hurley Bertram
Sergeant Ben Bertram was killed in a vehicle crash while involved in a vehicle pursuit on State Road 3 at 10:30 pm.
He had attempted to stop a stolen vehicle, but the driver refused to stop. As the pursuit neared State Road 56 in Scott County, Sergeant Bertram's vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Other officers in the pursuit immediately stopped and rendered aid, but Sergeant Bertram succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The 35-year-old driver continued to flee but was apprehended in Clark County. He was charged with resisting law enforcement resulting in death and auto theft. On March 6, 2019, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Sergeant Bertram's canine partner survived the crash and was treated at a local veterinary hospital.
Sergeant Bertram had served with the Charlestown Police Department for nine years. He is survived by his parents and sister.
In October 2019, 1 mile of State Road 56 in Scott County was renamed Sergeant Ben Bertram Memorial Highway.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 9 years
- Badge 550
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicle pursuit
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Sentenced to 30 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 136 ReflectionsI'll be running the Police Week 5k on May 11, 2019 Sergeant Bertram, to honor your memory as well as all police officers like yourself who gave all in the line of duty. I give thanks and gratitude to you; and, sincere condolences to your family and friends.
Elliot Timms
Gladstone, MO
May 7, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths

Border Patrol Agent Daniel Salazar
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: May 17, 2022

Chief Deputy Sheriff Jody Wayne Cash
Calloway County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 16, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Walter Donald Jenkins, Jr.
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: May 11, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Robert Adam Howard
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: May 11, 2022

Patrol Officer Brian Lee Sember
Ottawa Police Department, IL
EOW: April 3, 2022

Sergeant Nicholas W. Tullier
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: May 5, 2022

Police Officer Darryl Wayne Fortner
Vestavia Hills Police Department, AL
EOW: April 6, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Nicholas D. Weist
Knox County Sheriff's Office, IL
EOW: April 29, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Douglas Warren Sanford
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: March 29, 2022