Officer James W. Bennett

Officer James Wilson Bennnette Jr.
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: April 8, 1945
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
End of Watch: Saturday, September 13, 1975
Date of Incident: Saturday, September 13, 1975
Age: 30
Badge Number: 393
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Suspect Info: Louis Domingo Vasquez; charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Aggravated Assault
Weapon Used: Vehicle
Buried: Parker Ridge Cemetery, Groveton, Texas
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P22 - E22
TPOM: 09, B, 09

Officer James Bennett Jr. and Officer George Copeland III were directing traffic around an accident at 12:52 am, on IH 35 just south of Nogalitos. Officer Copeland was asked to get more flares to place around the accident ahead. Officer Copeland and Officer Bennett were reaching for the additional flares behind Officer Copeland's patrol unit, which had its emergency lights initiated and flares around it. They were struck from behind while standing by their patrol car by Vasquez's vehicle which was traveling at a high rate of speed. Officer Copeland's patrol unit burst into flames as both officers were tossed over 100 feet. Both Officers died from massive bodily injuries and severe burns.

Officer Bennett was survived by his wife, 2 daughters, 2 sons, parents, 3 sisters, and 7 brothers. Officer Bennett was born in Groveton, Texas and was a Freemason of St. Jubes Masonic Lodge in Groveton, Texas. He joined San Antonio Police in 1973. ---- source San Antonio Light, San Antonio Express News, and Officer Bennett's obituary