Sergeant
Benton Hurley 'Ben' Bertram
Charlestown Police Department
Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Age: 33
Served: 9 years
Badge #: 550
Panel 47W, Line 31 (2019)
Panel L15, Line 14 (2019)

Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Vehicle pursuit
Date/Time of Incident:
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
10:40 pm
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
1031 North State Road 3, Lexington
Incident County:
Scott
Incident Township:
Johnson
Weapon Used:
None
Suspect Disposition:
• Sentenced to 30 years
(currently incarcerated)
Burial Place:
Cremated

Share this Memorial
   

   Sergeant Benton Bertram was killed in a single-vehicle accident during a 30-mile pursuit, which began upon him observing a speeding vehicle being driven in the opposite lane of traffic on State Road 3.

   When the driver refused to stop, he was pursued by officers eastbound on State Road 62 in Clark County. The deployment of Stop Sticks at State Roads 56 and 62 in Jefferson County were unsuccessful and the pursuit proceeded westbound on State Road 56.

   As the pursuit approached State Road 3, in Scott County, Stop Sticks were deployed again. The unmarked squad car of Sergeant Bertram left the roadway and struck a tree in the front yard of a residence, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.

   The 35-year-old male, who was driving a vehicle stolen from a Circle K convenience store in Charlestown, fled the scene toward Madison but was later apprehended. He was charged with resisting law enforcement causing death, auto theft, escape and driving while suspended. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

   Sergeant Bertram had previously served with the Clark County Sheriff's Department as a corrections officer. He was survived by his parents, Howard 'Luke' and Diane (née Hurley); sister, Lindsey (Tim) Wolff; current canine partner, Franco and recently-retired canine partner, Kubo.

  

Memorial Tribute
• In 2019, a Memorial Mile was designated on State Road 56, from its north junction with State Road 3 eastward one mile, in his honor.
Historical Notes
• Sergeant Bertram is the fifth of five Indiana line of duty deaths in 2018.
• His is the second line of duty death of the Charlestown Police Department.
• His line of duty death is the 12th that has originated from Clark County.



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Sergeant Benton Hurley 'Ben' Bertram - Charlestown Police Department - INLEM.org