Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief Lace Vinson was killed when he was pushed from the running board of a truck while attempting to arrest the driver. Chief Vinson and another officer had been informed that the three occupants of the truck were intoxicated and driving around town creating a disturbance.
After removing two of the occupants the driver started to drive away, so Chief Vinson jumped onto the running board and ordered him to stop. The driver ignored Chief Vinson's command and drove a short distance, where it is believed he struck the chief with a hammer, knocking him off of the vehicle.
Chief Vinson fell to the ground and was then run over by the vehicle, suffering fatal injuries. The suspect was arrested minutes later after wrecking his truck while attempting to flee. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to 7 years in prison, but was pardoned after serving only a few months.
Chief Vinson was survived by his wife and seven children.
Survivors
Chief Vinson was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-76698838- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Lazarus. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Vinson served with the Louisa Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Louisa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Vinson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police Lazarus Arthur Vinson is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 76.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Louisa Police Department, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Lazarus Arthur Vinson's cause is highlighted.
How Lazarus Arthur Vinson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Lazarus Arthur Vinson is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Lazarus Arthur Vinson was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Louisa Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
