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Incident
Marshal James Larimer and Indiana State Trooper John Streu were shot and killed while arresting two suspects for kidnapping, robbery, and auto theft. At 7:00 a.m., the two officers had responded to a report of two suspicious men sleeping in a vehicle behind Kolling Elementary School. The officers handcuffed one of the men and placed him in the cruiser when the second man opened fire, striking Marshal Larimer. Trooper Streu returned fire, striking the subject. He then left his gun in the front seat and went to the aid of Marshal Larimer. When he did so, the handcuffed man reached over the seat, picked up Trooper Streu's weapon and shot him. When another Trooper arrived on the scene, the handcuffed suspect shot him through the windshield of his patrol vehicle. Despite being shot in the shoulder, he was able to apprehend the suspect. One man, who had escaped from a penal farm, was sentenced to two life terms and died in prison in 2009. The other suspect, who was 17, was sentenced to life in prison and was denied parole several times. He subsequently died in prison in 2015. Marshal Larimer had served with the St. John Police Department for eight years and had previously served with the Hammond Police Department for 22 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
30 years. You could have gone home.
Marshal Larimer gave the St. John Police Department 30 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the St. John community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Larimer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of St. John Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1971, 4 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1971, 168 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1971, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 56. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 56. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.8% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Saturdays: 15.5%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at St. John Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from St. John Police Department are honored on badge.nw.