Officer James David Bonneau, 26, was killed in the line of duty on March 9, 2010, after responding to a follow-up on a domestic incident at a Mitchell Street residence. Bonneau and an officer from the Blackman Township Department of Public Safety encountered 63-year-old Elvin Potts, who became aggressive during the encounter. Potts retrieved a .357 caliber handgun from under a couch cushion and opened fire; Bonneau was struck and mortally wounded. The other officer was also wounded. Responding officers shot and killed Potts at the scene.

Bonneau had been with the Jackson Police Department since July 2007 and was promoted to officer in November 2007. Colleagues remembered him as hardworking, compassionate, and committed to the community. He is survived by his parents, a brother, a sister, and his fiancée. The West Avenue Bridge in Jackson was later renamed the Officer James Bonneau Memorial Bridge.