Reserve Officer Christopher Michael Lawton, Zachary Police Department, Louisiana

Reserve Officer Christopher Michael Lawton

Zachary Police Department, Louisiana

End of Watch Monday, March 12, 2018

Christopher Michael Lawton

Reserve Officer Chris Lawton was killed after being intentionally struck by a vehicle as he attempted to serve a narcotics-related felony warrant.

He and another officer had spotted the wanted subject inside a U-Haul truck parked at the Walmart on Plank Road, in Baker, Louisiana. After observing the subject for several minutes the officers parked their patrol car behind the truck and began to approach it on foot. The subject saw them walking alongside the truck and started to drive away, pinning Officer Lawton between the truck and a shopping cart corral.

Officer Lawton's partner was able to broadcast a description of the vehicle, which was located approximately 20 minutes later. The driver was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, hit and run, and being a fugitive from justice. A second occupant of the vehicle was charged with obstruction of justice.

Officer Lawton served as a part-time, unpaid reserve officer with Zachary Police Department for 10 years and also served as a full-time firefighter with the Zachary Fire Department.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 10 years
Badge Z-72

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile; Commercial
Offender In custody

narcotics, hit-and-run, warrant service

Most Recent Reflection

View all 178 Reflections

Rest in peace Officer Lawton. It isn't enough that you served and put yourself in harms way at the fire department, but yet you served your community two fold working the L.E. side as well. So many will never understand that....and so many are out there that do. You are the great example of others before self. I salute you.
I wish strength and healing for your family, and your brothers and sisters of both lines.

James McCoy, Res. Deputy / Paramedic FF
Jefferson County, Colorado

April 24, 2018