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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Lindsey was accidentally shot and killed by a Lincoln County deputy sheriff in Meeker, Oklahoma.
Deputy Lindsey and two other Pottawatomie County deputies had gone to Meeker while searching for several suspects. They went to Deputy Lindsey's place of business to ask for his assistance since they had crossed into Lincoln County. The Lincoln County deputy started explaining that several bandits had recently tried to rob him but he had thwarted them by pulling out his gun. He began to reenact the scene but accidentally discharged his revolver when he pulled it out.
The round struck Deputy Lindsey in the head, killing him. The Lincoln County deputy was arrested and charged with manslaughter.
Deputy Lindsey was survived by his wife and three children.
Survivors
Deputy Lindsey was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Lindsey served with the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Shawnee community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Lindsey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 5 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 135 officers lost to accidents in OK, 23.2% of the 582 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1926, 1 officer at Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office was lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 2011, with 2.
In 1926, 2 officers in OK were lost to accidents, the 17th heaviest of 78 years on record. The heaviest was 1980, with 4.
In 1926, 68 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1926, 75 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 66th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 42. Of the 5 lost to accidents at Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 56; the middle age was 45.
James was 42. Of the 118 lost to accidents in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48.8; the middle age was 38.
James was 42. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
James was 42. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
November holds 20% of these deaths at Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office; September holds the most, 40%. Sundays: 20%.
November holds 6.7% of these deaths in OK; March holds the most, 12.6%. Sundays: 13.3%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 23.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
