Bio & Incident Details
Age: 42
Tour: 15 years
Badge # 404
Cause: Automobile accident
Incident Date: 12/28/2005
Weapon: Not available
Suspect: Not available
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Deputy Lester Tatum was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to a burglary in progress call.
The reporting party told the 911 operator that weapons were involved and a woman was alone with two young children.
The victim deputy left Groveton for Carlisle with his lights and his siren activated, heading south on FM 355. As he entered a right-hand curve near Old Onalaska Road, his squad car left the road on the left-hand side. The car struck several pine trees and the engine compartment caught fire. The fire was put out by members of the Groveton Volunteer Fire Department. Deputy Tatum died at the scene.
Deputy Tatum was the K-9 deputy for Trinity County and had served with the agency for for only 7 months. He had previously served with the Polk County Constable's Office - Precinct 1 and had a total of 15 years of law enforcement service.
Deputy Tatum is survived by his wife, two daughters, parents, and two grandchildren.
