Officer Ernest Elmer Bates
Dallas Police Department
Texas
End of Watch: Saturday, December 5, 1942

Biographical Info
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: 299

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: Friday, August 7, 1942
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available

Officer Bates succumbed to injures received four months earlier when he was struck by a city bus. He was directing traffic at the intersection of Elm Street and Akard Street and was attempting to get out of the way of a car when he jumped in front of the bus.

Officer Bates suffered severe back injuries but was able to return to light duty after three weeks. Two months later, although still in great pain, he returned to full duty directing traffic in the same intersection. On the evening of December 5, 1942, he collapsed while directing traffic and was rushed to a local hospital. He died while in surgery as doctors attempted to correct injuries from the original accident.

Officer Bates had served with the agency for 6 years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.