In a tragic turn of events on May 26, 1978, Second Lieutenant James Pat Grimes, a 37-year-old male officer with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, was killed in the line of duty. This dark day in the history of Oklahoma law enforcement unfolded in Pottawatomie County and also claimed the lives of two of his colleagues, Troopers Houston 'Pappy' Summers and Billy G. Young.
The violent encounter was with two escaped convicts who had broken out of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester on April 23, 1978, and were wanted for seven murders committed since their escape.
The incident began when Troopers Summers and Young were on a routine patrol on a county road and spotted the fugitives in a stolen truck. A fierce gun battle erupted between the troopers and the heavily armed convicts, resulting in the deaths of both officers. As the situation escalated, Lieutenant Grimes and his partner were dispatched to the area, guided by an aircraft overhead. However, the escaped murderers had set up an ambush.
Upon their arrival, Lieutenant Grimes and his partner were met with a hail of gunfire. In the ensuing shootout, Lieutenant Grimes was fatally wounded, and his partner sustained injuries. The two convicts, whose violent spree had terrorized the state, were ultimately shot and killed at the scene by other responding officers. Lieutenant Grimes had served with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for 12 years and was survived by his wife and 3-year-old daughter. A memorial service was later held at the State Capitol Building in Oklahoma City to honor the profound sacrifice of the three fallen troopers.
