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Incident
Deputy James Anderson succumbed to injuries sustained when he was intentionally struck by the driver of an automobile while making a traffic stop at approximately 1:00 pm.
He and another deputy had stopped a vehicle on Lee Road 240. The driver stopped after pulling into a residential driveway. As Deputy Anderson and the other deputy attempted to make contact with the driver, the man accelerated and struck Deputy Anderson, pinning him underneath the car.
The other deputy was able to remove the suspect from the vehicle and placed him in custody. Other deputies and medics arrived at the scene and freed Deputy Anderson from beneath the vehicle. He was then transported to Columbus Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
The suspect was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life without parole on October 4, 2011. On September 20, 2012 the Lee County Circuit Judge overruled the jury's sentence and sentenced the suspect to death.
Deputy Anderson had served with the Lee County Sheriff's Office for three years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
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 Anderson gave the Lee County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Opelika community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Anderson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lee County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2009, 4 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 2009, 59 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2009, 63 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 39. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 39. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 39. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9.9% of these deaths in AL, more than any other month. Thursdays: 13.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Lee County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.2% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Lee County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lee County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
