On February 20, 1948 at 12:05am Detroit Police Officers Benton J Hacker & Vincent G. Kashazta in a McClellan Station Scout Car spotted robbery suspects Frank Banning and Pasquale Gizzi in their getaway vehicle. They stopped the suspect vehicle at Kercheval Avenue & Hart Avenue near the Detroit Terminal Railroad Crossing. Officer Hacker got out of the patrol vehicle to question the subjects on the two gas station robberies when Frank Banning exited the passenger side of the car and opened fire, striking Hacker in his left arm. The bullet passed through the arm into Officer Hacker's chest/heart and down into the abdomen/liver area.

Officer Kashazta returned fire. Hacker was knocked to the ground but started to rise and return fire on Frank Banning. Banning screamed as if shot and was pulled back into the suspect vehicle by Gizzi. Gizzi took off and was pursued by two more Detroit police scout cars. At McClellan and Elsa Avenues Gizzi's vehicle was pushed into the curb and Gizzi gave up to Officer Grace. Banning exited the vehicle shooting five more rounds at the officers before a short foot pursuit where Frank Banning gave up and was arrested.

Patrolman Hacker was transported to the hospital with gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. Patrolman Hacker survived his injuries and returned to work on light duty until he medically retired in 1949. Banning was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 50 to 60 years in prison. Patrolman Hacker continued to have liver and stomach problems over the years and died on March 29, 1958, due to complications stemming from his original injury.

Frank Banning had been given a Presidential Pardon after serving six years in prison for a jewel theft. Banning was serving a 20 year sentenced when he was released. Eight months later he shot Detroit Officer Benton J Hacker. Banning pled guilty to assault with intent to murder on December 5, 1950 and received 50-60 years in prison.

Hacker was survived by his wife, daughter, brother and sister.