Police Officer Dean Martin James
United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs
U.S. Government
End of Watch: Saturday, September 17, 1988

Biographical Info
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 809

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Saturday, September 17, 1988
Incident Location: Arizona
Weapon Used: Rifle; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 25 years

Officer James was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest a suspect who had escaped from the Hopi Tribal Jail the previous day.

Officer James was en route to work when he observed the suspect hitchhiking along the highway. When Officer James exited his vehicle the suspect opened fire with a .22 caliber rifle. Despite being mortally wounded, Officer James was able to return fire and shot the suspect several times, wounding him. The suspect was arrested at the scene. He was convicted of Officer James' murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Officer James was assigned to the Hopi Tribal Police in Arizona and had served with the agency for 4 years.

Officer James was survived by his wife, three sons, and daughter.