Lake City Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Saturday, October 15, 1960
Add to My HeroesJulius Paul Cruze
Police Chief Paul Cruze was shot and killed after he and another officer stopped a suspected drunk driver on Creek Street.
The subject had previously been arrested for drunk driving by Chief Cruze and was armed with a pistol during that arrest. Following the arrest the man had threatened to get revenge against the chief.
The other officer informed the man that they knew he was armed and told him to surrender his handgun. Instead of doing so, the man produced a handgun and shot Chief Cruze, killing him instantly. The second officer returned fire, wounding the man. The was located approximately one mile away and taken into custody. He was charged with Chief Cruze's murder. He claimed self defense and was acquitted.
Chief Cruze was a WWI veteran and had served with the Lake City Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, three foster sons, two brothers, and two sisters.
Bio
- Age 56
- Tour 10 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsChief Cruze,
On today, the 60th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served during WW I. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
October 15, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Special Agent Wayne Douglas Snyder
Georgia Department of Corrections, GA
EOW: January 23, 2021

Sergeant Grace A. Bellamy
Georgia Department of Corrections, GA
EOW: February 1, 2021

Police Officer II Jose Anzora
Los Angeles Police Department, CA
EOW: March 3, 2021

Officer Carlos Mendoza
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: February 24, 2021

Captain Justin Williams Bedwell
Decatur County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: March 1, 2021

Officer Cesar Dangaran Sibonga
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: February 7, 2021

Major Estaban "Stevie" Ramirez, III
Bell County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 16, 2021

Reserve Deputy Constable Martinus Mitchum
Second City Court of New Orleans Constable's Office, LA
EOW: February 26, 2021

Police Officer Dominic Jared Winum
Stanley Police Department, VA
EOW: February 26, 2021