Houston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Wednesday, June 26, 1968
Ben Eddie Gerhart
Officer Gerhart was shot and killed after arresting a suspect for littering. Officer Bobby James was killed when the suspect forced his cruiser off the road during the ensuing chase. Officer Gerhart had stopped the suspect after observing the man and a woman throwing bottles from their car. He placed the suspect in his cruiser and returned to the vehicle to talk to the woman. The man suddenly ran back to the car and retrieved a handgun from under the seat and opened fire as Officer Gerhart drew his weapon. The suspect then stole Officer Gerhart's weapon and fled the scene.
Several officers began chasing the suspect after locating the vehicle. During the pursuit the suspect fired at the officers before forcing Officer James' cruiser off the road. The suspect fled on foot but was shot and killed in an ensuing shootout.
Officer Gerhart was survived by his wife and daughter.
Bio
- Age 45
- Tour 15 years
- Badge 1230
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsMany years have passed but you are not forgotten, Uncle Ben!
Glenna Gerhart
Niece of Ben Gerhart
June 26, 2017
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Sean McNamee Gannon
Yarmouth Police Department, MA
EOW: April 12, 2018

Patrolman Kevin F. Crossley
Whitesboro Police Department, NY
EOW: April 11, 2018

Police Officer Keith O'Neal Earle
Huntsville Police Department, AL
EOW: April 9, 2018

Corporal Dale Shannon Hallman
Saluda County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: April 6, 2018

Police Officer Phillip Lynn Meacham
Hopkinsville Police Department, KY
EOW: March 29, 2018

Trooper First Class Kevin M. Miller
Connecticut State Police, CT
EOW: March 29, 2018

Special Agent Melissa S. Morrow
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 22, 2018

Police Officer Andres Laza-Caraballo
Juncos Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: March 21, 2018

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Douglas Zirkle
Marin County Sheriff's Office, CA
EOW: March 15, 2018