Deputy Sheriff John Bananola

John Bananola

Deputy Sheriff John Bananola was shot and killed while serving a narcotics related search warrant at a house in the east side of Tacoma.

Deputy Bananola was the first of a six-man team to enter the house. He was confronted by the suspect and identified himself as an officer. The suspect fired at least ten shots with a 9mm handgun, striking Deputy Bananola nine times. Deputy Bananola was able to return fire and struck the suspect in the groin.

The suspect was found guilty of drug charges but there was a hung jury on the first degree murder charges. A second trial found the suspect guilty of second degree murder and he was sentenced to a total of 40 years. During an appeal of the conviction he was found guilty and given an even longer sentence.

Deputy Bananola was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department for eight years. He is survived by his daughter and stepson.