Robert T. Seiffert, a 31-year-old Caucasian male, was a dedicated officer with the Cincinnati Police Department. On March 6, 1979, Officer Seiffert and his partner, Officer Dennis Bennington, were fatally shot during a traffic stop. The incident occurred on Oak Street near May Street in Cincinnati. The suspect, Gregory Daniels, had an aggravated robbery warrant and was known to the police. As Officer Bennington approached the suspect from the side, Officer Seiffert approached from the rear.
Daniels shot Officer Bennington in the chest and fired over his shoulder as he got back in his car, striking Officer Seiffert in the head as he dove for cover. Officer Bennington managed to return fire, killing Daniels, but both officers succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital.
Officer Seiffert was a Vietnam War veteran who had served with the Cincinnati Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife and three children. The tragic incident led to a memorial street renaming ceremony in 2021, honoring both Officer Seiffert and Officer Bennington. The Cincinnati Police Department also implemented a two-patrol policy following the deaths of Officers Seiffert and Bennington to enhance officer safety.
The case did not result in any further arrests or litigations, as the suspect, Gregory Daniels, was killed during the incident. The investigation concluded that the officers were shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a parolee with a history of violent crime. Officer Seiffert's death was a significant loss to the Cincinnati Police Department and the community he served.
