Deputy Sheriff James Warren Lehmann, Jr., Riverside County Sheriff's Department, California

Deputy Sheriff James Warren Lehmann, Jr.

Riverside County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Sunday, January 5, 1997

James Warren Lehmann, Jr.

Deputies James Lehmann and Michael Haugen were shot and killed at approximately 0300 hours as they answered a domestic violence call on the Cabazon Indian Reservation.

They were ambushed by a sniper who shot them with an M-1 rifle as they exited their vehicles. Both deputies where wearing vests. One deputy was shot in the head and the other was shot in the side when the bullet penetrated his vest. Neither deputy was able to radio in the incident. A sergeant who responded to the scene after they failed to make radio contact was shot at as he attempted to check on the deputies when he saw them laying on the ground. The suspect was apprehended later in the morning during a SWAT operation. The man was convicted of both murders and sentenced to death, however, he committed suicide while on death row on December 9, 2013.

Deputy Lehmann is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Bio

Age 42
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; M-1
Offender Sentenced to death

Most Recent Reflection

View all 26 Reflections

To the friends & family of Deputy Jim Lehmann Jr.,

Today I was on a flight from KC, MO to Baltimore, MD traveling with my family and I met Jim’s beautiful & courageous daughter. She was on the flight and took the time to tell me all about her Hero father who left this earth twenty-one years ago in January. She said she was nine at the time of his death which is about the same age as my kids are now. I could see Jim’s strength, grit, compassion and grace in talking with her. I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet him on earth, but already looking forward to meeting him in heaven.

To Jim,

You did good Jim. You made this place better while you were here and your legacy lives on thru your children. Your little girl told me all about how you used to teach her to change a tire and do “guy stuff” just in case of the unlikely event you didn’t make it home. She even said you told her that if one day you didn’t come home and a police car pulled up in front of the house that it’d be okay. And it is. Your kids are okay and so is their mama. You would be proud. Thanks for making me a better dad thru your kids. You’ve left a lasting legacy. I can only hope people say the same nice things about me when it’s my time & I’m gone. See you later my friend. Rest In Peace.

Special Agent Michael Hawkins
U.S. Secret Service

April 9, 2018