Officer Luntsford was shot and killed by a robbery suspect, after he and his partner were informed that two men were planning to commit a robbery in the area. When the officers approached the two suspects, one suspect produced a handgun and shot Officer Luntsford. Before his partner was able to draw his weapon, the suspect turned his gun on himself.
Officer Luntsford had been with the Seattle Police Department for four years and was survived by his wife and daughter.