Mohave County Sheriff's Office, Arizona
End of Watch Monday, July 22, 1974
Add to My HeroesJames Michael Lewis
Deputy Sheriff James Lewis was shot and killed with a high-powered rifle while investigating a domestic assault at a service station on Arizona 95 known as Cook's Corner.
After responding to the call in Mohave Valley, 20 miles south of Bullhead City, a service-station operator fired a single shot from a rifle at close range. The shot instantly killed Deputy Lewis. A witness was also wounded by the man as he fled the scene.
The man, 53, was convicted of after his first two trials ended in mistrials. On March 10, 1975, he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, assault with intent to kill, and sentenced to 25 years to life. In 1968 and part of 1969 the suspect served a year in prison for stabbing a bartender during a drunken rage. On June 25, 1986, the Arizona Supreme Court denied his appeal.
Deputy Lewis had served with the Mohave County Sheriff's Office for 13 months and had previously served with the Coconino County Sheriff's Office for one year. He was survived by his wife and child. He had a masters degree in police science.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 2 years, 1 month
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 18 ReflectionsI was the first unit on the scene on the date of the shooting at Cook's Corner in Mohave Valley Az. I was assigned to the Needles Station of the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department. When I arrived I found Deputy Lewis had been shot from ambush. I saw that he was in a green and tan uniform just like mine. Deputy Mike Maakested Needles Station and I took the suspect into custody after he returned to the scene. I have never forgotten this incident. I ended my career after 45 years in law enforcement. I remember it as if it was yesterday.
I continue to remember Deputy James Lewis and this incident. God Bless You Brother you are remembered. Rest in Peace. Semper Cop!!!
Retired Sheriffs Detective Harry H. HATC
San Bernardino County Sheriff, Bomb Arson Unit Retired
February 3, 2021
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