Officer Edward A. Basham

Abatement Officer Edward A. Basham
San Antonio Code Compliance Department, TX
Born: July 1, 1954
Cause of Death: Massive Heart Attack
End of Watch: Tuesday, February 17, 1998
Date of Incident: Tuesday, February 17, 1998
Age: 43
Badge Number: 695
Tour of Duty: 7 Months as Abatement Officer
Suspect Info: Charged with 2 counts of Burglary of a Habitation (each)
Weapon Used: N/A
Buried: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P22-E35
TPOM: 05, B, 09


Officer Basham suffered a massive heart attack after a foot chase of six teenage burglars. On February 17, 1998, at approximately 12:40 PM, Officer Basham assisted San Antonio Police Department district officers in establishing a quadrant within the vicinity of the burglarized home. He observed the suspects fleeing a San Antonio Police Officer due north from his location. He immediately initiated a foot pursuit to assist in the apprehension of the six burglary suspects and chased them for a short distance. He returned to his patrol car and continued to pursue the suspects before beginning a second foot pursuit. It was not until Officer Basham returned to his patrol vehicle that he suffered a massive heart attack. He collapsed in a wooded area moments later. Officer Basham was not discovered until suspects were apprehended and citizens came forward advising of an officer face down on the roadway. Officer Basham was pronounced dead at the scene.

None of the suspects were charged in connection with Officer Basham's death despite the fact that they knew they were being pursued.

Officer Edward A. Basham was survived by his daughter, Stacy Basham.-----source San Antonio Express News and internet

Served as a SSG in the U.S. Army and was a Verteran of the Vietnam War.