Delta Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch Saturday, August 11, 1973
Add to My HeroesStephen Dale Hensley
Officer Steve Hensley was shot and killed after being abducted by a suspect he and another officer had been chasing at 1:00 am.
The incident began when Officer Hensley and another officer attempted to pull over a speeding motorcycle. When the subject did not stop, a pursuit ensued. When the subject fled into a hayfield at Colorado 92 and Read, the officer pursued the subject on foot. During a foot chase, the suspect overpowered Officer Hensley and forced him to drive to another location while the officer ran to a house to get more help. As he was driving towards Hotchkiss, the subject shot him, and a struggle ensued, causing the vehicle to crash into a ditch.
The suspect, 20, was apprehended, and it was discovered that he had a property bond for burglary charges. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed at Colorado State Mental Hospital in Pueblo. He was still there on October 21, 2022.
Officer Hensley had served with the Delta Police Department for five months. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 5 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Committed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsOfficer Hensley,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Delta. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
August 11, 2023
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