Corporal James Arvil Lamance, Whitewright Police Department, Texas

Corporal James Arvil Lamance

Whitewright Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Saturday, December 23, 2000

Add to My Heroes

James Arvil Lamance

Corporal Jim 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 in field off of County Road 4510 in Fannin County. The suspect then exited the vehicle and opened fire on the officers with a rifle, striking Corporal Lamance in the head. Corporal Lamance's brother was able to return fire but did not strike the suspect. The man was arrested early the next morning at his residence.

The suspect was acquitted of the capital murder charge in April 2002.

Corporal Lamance had been served with the three-officer Whitewright Police Department for three 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

Impaired Driver, vehicle pursuit

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 52 Reflections

I remember the ride alongs I did with you before going to the academy. Then to realize your brother Kevin and I would be in the same academy. All he did was brag about you throughout the time we spent in the academy. We graduated the academy November 2000. The following month I remember the night the call come out officer down hearing your brothers voice come over the radio! That’s one thing I can never forget my stomach sank to my feet!!!! I’ve left a reflection before somehow it’s not on here! But you were an inspiration for me becoming an officer. I remember you driving the town with ice on the streets and trees down everywhere being the officer to make a path all around town to make sure it was safe instead of being in the office out of the cold and in the heat! Your dedication was inspiring and inspirational and will never be forgotten!!

Officer Daniel Moores
Unknown for Now

May 4, 2025