Former Bengals RB Deacon Turner Killed In Police Shooting

Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Deacon Turner died after being shot by a police officer Sunday morning during an altercation outside of a convenience store.

Turner, 56, was shot after striking a deputy in the back of the head with a bag containing two 24-ounce cans of beer, according to information provided by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died a short time later.

He was confronted in the parking lot as he left the store with his 19-year-old son and a 16-year-old juvenile, according to the sheriff’s department, which said the former NFL player was carrying items he had bought from the Fastrip store, including alcohol.

Deputies detained Turner as they investigated the incident, but an altercation ensued when he attempted to leave and refused to comply further.

The deputy who was struck in the head was a three-year veteran, police said. He was treated at the hospital and released. Another deputy, a veteran of 4 1/2 years, fired two shots from his handgun at Turner, who was struck and fell to the ground. That deputy has been placed on administrative leave. The incident is under investigation.

The former running back, whose full name is David Lee Turner, has struggled since he played for the Bengals from 1978 to 1980. The Bakersfield Californian reported that Turner had been out of work and in trouble with the law in the three decades since. Turner rushed for 549 yards and scored two touchdowns, including one receiving, in 44 games for the Bengals. He played college football at San Diego State.