Corporal James Arvil Lamance

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.