Corporal James Arvil Lamance, Whitewright Police Department, Texas

Corporal James Arvil Lamance

Whitewright Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Saturday, December 23, 2000

James Arvil Lamance

Corporal Lamance was shot and killed while pursuing a suspected drunk driver.

Corporal Lamance and his brother, who was a reserve officer with the same agency, were on patrol when they spotted the suspect and attempted to pull him over. The suspect was known to police and had fled from them on several occasions.

During the pursuit, the suspect led the officers into a field and stopped his vehicle approximately 100 yards away from the cruiser. The suspect then exited the vehicle and opened fire on the officers, striking Corporal Lamance in the head. Corporal Lamance's brother was able to return fire but did not strike the suspect, who was arrested later in the night at his residence. The suspect was acquitted of the capital murder charged in April, 2002.

Corporal Lamance had been employed with the three-officer Whitewright Police Department for 3 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

Age 53
Tour 3 years
Badge 3

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle
Offender Acquitted

Most Recent Reflection

View all 47 Reflections

Hey Jim,
Wow, what a crazy year it's been. A lot of things have changed since your death and thankfully they're too many to mention. Some good, some not so good. A lot of officers have died since you passed away 17 years ago doing what they chose to do. Live and die for their families, their friends, and their respective communities. I still miss our ride along that we shared. I've come along way since then. I'm no longer working at the jail in Durant. I'm now working at the prison in Stringtown, Oklahoma as a corrections officer. I've been there three months now and I plan to retire from there. I still remember the night that we got the call about you being killed and the subsequent trial and acquittal of the man who did it. I know that one day he will get what he deserves because he can't fool God. I haven't heard from Jacie and her family in a while but I hope that she sees this and knows that I still think about her. I hope she is doing better now after all these years but I know she still hurts inside just as I do. Rest in Peace, Jim. Know that you're still loved and thought of after all these years. And Merry Christmas!

James White, Jr. CSO 1
Oklahoma Department of Corrections

December 15, 2017