Louisiana Department of Corrections, Louisiana
End of Watch Saturday, May 30, 1936
Add to My HeroesTom Fluitt
Captain Tom Fluitt was shot and killed in a case of mistaken identity while leading a posse searching for the murderer of Captain Nelson Himel.
Captain Himel and his wife were shot and killed at his home on the Angola prison camp. The prisoner had been assigned to tend to Captain Himel's yard and attacked his wife when she repulsed his advances. The inmate slit her throat, placed her body in the home's bathtub, and then waited for Captain Himel to return home.
When Captain Himel entered the house the inmate fatally shot him before stealing his revolver and wallet. He was able to leave the prison in Captain Himel's car by telling the gate guards that he was running an errand for the captain. The suspect then abducted another prisoner from the farm.
A large manhunt was started after the bodies were discovered. During the ensuing search, Captain Tom Fluitt was shot and fatally wounded by a posseman who mistook him and another man for the escapees.
The escapee was located several days later and committed suicide during a shootout with posse members.
Bio
- Age 57
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
- Incident Date Wednesday, May 27, 1936
Most Recent Reflection
View all 4 ReflectionsRest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 82nd anniversary of your EOW.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA
May 30, 2018
Recent LODD Deaths
Investigator John Hampton Coddou
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Lieutenant Michael Hoosock
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024