Chief of Police James Clare Lounsberry

James Clare Lounsberry

Chief of Police James Lounsberry succumbed to injuries sustained on January 9, 1986, in a hit-and-run vehicle crash on Michigan Highway 53 in the Marlett Township.

At 10:55 a.m., Chief Lounsberry was transporting a citizen to a local hospital during a period of heavy snow on M-53. A vehicle traveling the opposite direction attempted to pass a tractor-trailer on the shoulder but struck the trailer. The collision caused the semi to veer into the oncoming lane of traffic and strike Chief Lounsberry's patrol car head-on.

The citizen he was driving to the hospital was killed in the crash. Chief Lounsbeery was transferred to St. Mary's Hospital and died from his serious injuries 10 days later.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the semi fled the scene and was never identified. The driver of the semi stayed at the scene and was not charged.

Chief Lounsberry was a U.S. Army veteran who had served with the Marlette Police Department for 16 years and in law enforcement for over 20 years. He was survived by his two children and six grandchildren.