Waukesha Police Department, Wisconsin
End of Watch Thursday, April 28, 1994
Add to My HeroesJames Lutz
Captain Jim Lutz was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend two suspects who had robbed the Bank One at the intersection of Highway 18 and Highway 83 in Wales, Wisconsin.
After robbing the bank, the suspects fled towards Waukesha with officers in pursuit. Captain Lutz joined the pursuit on Meadowbrook Road in Waukesha. He was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire while pursuing the suspects. The suspects, who were a father and son, then abandoned their car and fled on foot. As officers moved in, the suspects car-jacked another car and fled.
The suspects were forced to abandon their second car when they turned down a dead-end road. They fled on foot and broke into a house where they held the female homeowner hostage. The suspects then forced the female to drive them in her van in another escape attempt. As the van approached a police checkpoint, the suspects and police exchanged gunfire, and the female hostage was able to jump free from the van. The suspects were able to get about 300 yards from the roadblock before crashing their van.
They were then taken into custody by officers. The father and son were both convicted of murder and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole after 100 years.
Captain Lutz was a graduate of the FBI National Academy who had served with the Waukesha Police Department for 29 years and previously served with the Milwaukee Police Department. He was survived by his wife and two sons.
Bio
- Age 57
- Tour 30 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; Mini 14
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 35 ReflectionsOn behalf of the U.S. Attorney, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and support staff for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, we honor law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. During National Police Week the focus is even greater that we never forget the officers and their families. Today, May 20th, 2022, we honor and remember you Captain Lutz. Rest in Peace.
United States Attorney's Office
Eastern District of Wisconsin
May 20, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley
Scott County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 22, 2023

Sergeant Michael Kunovich
St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: May 19, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Brett Harris
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: May 13, 2023

Sergeant Joshua Lee Clouse
Cameron Police Department, TX
EOW: May 11, 2023

Port Police Officer Kimberly Sickafoose
Alabama Port Authority Police, AL
EOW: May 11, 2023

Police Officer Aréanah M. Preston
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: May 6, 2023

Detective Jacob Beu
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: May 7, 2023

Police Officer Robert Shisler
Deptford Township Police Department, NJ
EOW: May 7, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Kaitie Leising
St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, WI
EOW: May 6, 2023