Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer David Bearden was shot and killed in a shootout with two auto theft suspects near the intersection of Ocean Drive and 22nd Street. Before succumbing to his injuries Officer Bearden was able to return fire and strike both suspects, fatally wounding one of them. The other suspect was convicted and released from jail in 1960. Officer Bearden had served with the Miami Beach Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents, two brothers, and five sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-648B4168- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Bearden gave the Miami Beach Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Miami Beach community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Bearden.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer David C. Bearden is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 0.7 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Miami Beach Police Department, 4 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. David C. Bearden's cause is highlighted.
How David C. Bearden Compares
Offender Outcome
One shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. David C. Bearden is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. David C. Bearden was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Miami Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
