Patrolman Michael Hardy James, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado

Patrolman Michael Hardy James

Colorado State Patrol, Colorado

End of Watch Thursday, December 18, 1975

Michael Hardy James

Patrolman Michael James was shot and killed with his own service weapon while making a traffic stop on U.S. 24, near Limon.

The man he had stopped was a career criminal. While calling in the suspect's identification the man attacked him and gained control of his service weapon. The subject then shot him, left him on the side of the roadway, and disabled his patrol car before fleeing.

A passing trucker reported the incident and called for help, but Patrolman James succumbed to his injuries before backup officers arrived.

The subject was apprehended several hours later and sentenced to three life terms.

Patrolman James had served with the Colorado State Patrol for over four years. He was survived by his wife and two sons. One of his sons went on to serve as a trooper with the Colorado State Patrol.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 4 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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Mike James had been in my classroom at Simla many times talking about driver's safety and I had shared coffee with him several times. His senseless murder broke my heart. Years later, one of those students he talked to became a deputy sheriff who served a productive life and recently retired from law enforcement. When the Weld County Sheriff's Mounted Posse journeyed to Washington, DC this past May for the National Law Enforcement Memorial, one of my friends had a special moment of silence for me at his nameplate there. It has been almost 40 years since I last saw Mike, but I remember him like it was yesterday. A great man, a greater father and husband. Happy Father's Day, Mike.

Sheila
Weld County Sheriff's Posse, retired

June 16, 2013