Roll of Honor
Incident
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.
He was the best uncle dad friend what ever you want to call him he had a kind heart me and my family will miss him R.I.P Uncle Chris
Eli knight Nephew December 5th, 2022
In Our Keeping
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Reserve Officer Lawton gave the Zachary Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Zachary community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Reserve Officer Lawton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Reserve Officer Christopher Michael Lawton is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Christopher Michael Lawton's cause is highlighted.
How Christopher Michael Lawton Compares
Offender Outcome
In custody
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Christopher Michael Lawton is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Christopher Michael Lawton was killed by automobile; commercial.