Prev
Incident
Sergeant James Anderson was shot and killed while answering a domestic disturbance call at apartment building at the intersection of Rice Street and Superior Boulevard. As he entered the apartment building lobby the suspect shot him in the chest three times. The man then fled and took hostages in the local post office before committing suicide. Sergeant Anderson had served with the six-man Wayzata Police Department for one year and had served in law enforcement for 13 years. He was killed on his 36th birthday.
Survivors
He was survived by his fiancee and three sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqgfxf9tt599ex7rz2m6- 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 James. 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.
Sergeant Anderson gave the Wayzata Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wayzata community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Anderson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wayzata Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 173 officers killed feloniously in MN, 59% of the 293 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1982, 3 officers in MN were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 93 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 11.
In 1982, 122 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1982, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 36. Of the 166 killed feloniously in MN whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. James had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
James was 36. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 36. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 16.8% of these deaths in MN, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Wayzata Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 293 deaths in MN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 23.1% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Wayzata Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Wayzata Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
