Lieutenant Michael J. Lutz

Lieutenant Michael J. Lutz

Muskingum County Sheriff's Department, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, July 12, 1994

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Michael J. Lutz

Lieutenant Michael Lutz was shot and killed with his own gun while attempting to arrest a burglary suspect at 4:30 am.

Lieutenant Lutz was dispatched to a Maysville Pike gas station near Fink's Used Cars on a breaking and entering call. When Lieutenant Lutz approached the suspect, the man knocked him down, took his service weapon, and fired four shots. Lieutenant Lutz was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he died less than an hour later.

The suspect, a parolee, was convicted of murder and was sentenced to death, but the Ohio Supreme Court overturned the sentence. In 2004 the suspect was re-sentenced to 60 years to life. His first parole hearing is in 2050.

Lieutenant Lutz had served with the Muskingum County Sheriff's Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife and son. His son was a deputy with the department at the time of his father's death and was elected sheriff of the same county, Muskingum, in 2008.

Bio

  • Age 48
  • Tour 16 years
  • Badge 12

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Death sentence overturned

burglary, convicted felon, parolee

Most Recent Reflection

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Lt. Lutz,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Muskingum County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 12, 2024

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