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
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
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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.
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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Miami Beach Police Department has lost 10 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1928, 6 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 24. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. David had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
David was 24. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. David had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 8.2% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Tuesdays: 14.9%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 10 deaths at Miami Beach Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 23.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Miami Beach Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, David among them.
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David C. Bearden
Mar 20, 1928
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William Lawrence Nichols
Feb 4, 1936
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Robert Boyle
Aug 31, 1936
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Donald Bernard Kramer
Feb 25, 1984
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John Carroll Koppin
Dec 26, 1984
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Robert E. Fitzpatrick
Apr 3, 1985
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Scott Richard Rakow
Jun 30, 1988
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Larry Emilio Marrero
Nov 28, 2018
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Edward Perez
Aug 19, 2021
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David Cajuso
Oct 28, 2025
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Miami Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw.








