Trooper Travis Leon Bench

Travis Leon Bench

Trooper T. Leon Bench was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man during a traffic stop on State Highway 97 one mile north of the Sapulpa Turnpike. 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 served with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for one year and had previously served with the Sapulpa Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and 3-month-old daughter.