Trooper
Travis Leon Bench
November 24 , 1955 - October 5 , 1982
Badge #697
Joined in 1982
midway between Sapulpa and Sand Springs, Oklahoma. He ran a routine DL
check on the man driving the vehicle, and discovered his license was under suspension.
As Trooper Bench attempted to place the man, Later identified as Charles Enoch Brown, under arrest, Brown ran to his vehicle, retrieved a pistol, and opened fire on Trooper Bench.
Trooper Bench was apparently retreating to the rear of his unit when one of Brown's shots smashed through the front and rear windshields of his unit, striking Trooper Bench in the head. Trooper Bench was pronounced dead two hours later at a Tulsa hospital.
Brown was tried and convicted for murder and received a life sentence.