It was at a home on Mitchell Street in Jackson that Jackson Police Officer James Bonneau responded to a call that would be his last. Jackson Police Chief Matthew Hines says, "He was a good officer, a very good officer."

The 26-year-old had only been on the force for just over 2 years. He was called to backup Blackman Township to deal with suspect Elvin Potts in a domestic situation that ended at Potts' home with a fatal gunshot. Hines says, "Unfortunately in this situation, James was shot and killed."

Hines says Bonneau died doing something he loved. Police work does run in his family. Hines says, "His father works for the MSP Crime lab in Northville so he is familiar with the criminal justice system and certainly his Mom and Dad were very proud that he was in law enforcement, pursuing criminal enforcement and they took the news hard as any parent would."

Bonneau was a Canton High School graduate and studied criminal justice at Eastern Michigan University. His co-workers say he was serious about his job, but could take a joke. After accidentally damaging a newer police car, his fellow officers would tease him about the accident. Hines says, "There were quite a few jokes about that, he took them well and kind of just let them roll off his back and move forward."

Co-workers say he was quiet but thorough, pleasant and loved the investigative part of the job. They say he even went about conducting more in-depth investigations on traffic stops. Hines says, "It's a tragic loss to the police department."

Hines says Bonneau was also talking about getting engaged to his girlfriend. Those plans of course, cut short by the tragedy.