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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Ben Walker was shot and killed while he and his partner were escorting three prisoners to a dentist's office in Flint. Two of the prisoners were handcuffed together awaiting their turn. As Deputy Walker unlocked the handcuffs to take one of them to the exam room the two prisoners attacked him. During the scuffle, the third prisoner went out the door with the other deputy in pursuit. One of the two attacking prisoners was able to take control of Deputy Walker's gun and shot the other deputy through a glass door as he was taking the third prisoner into custody at gunpoint. The prisoner who shot the deputy then took his revolver as well and shot Deputy Walker as he attempted to access his backup weapon. The two attacking prisoners escaped as the third prisoner called the sheriff's office to report the incident. One of the prisoners was captured in a house at 3406 North Street, one block from the dentist office. The two escapees were apprehended and one was subsequently killed in prison during another escape attempt. The second suspect was sentenced to life in prison. The wounded deputy recovered from his wounds. Deputy Walker had served with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three daughters, parents, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Walker gave the Genesee County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Flint community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Walker.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Genesee County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Ben is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 remembered there.
Ben is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Ben is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1971, 14 officers in MI were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1971, 168 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1971, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ben was 35. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35. Ben had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Ben was 35. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Ben had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ben was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ben had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 5.3% of these deaths in MI; December holds the most, 12.3%. Tuesdays: 11.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Genesee County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Genesee County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Ben among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 2-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Genesee County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
