Police Officer David Lee of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department was tragically killed in the line of duty on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Officer Lee, an 18-year veteran of the department, was assisting at a crash scene on eastbound I-70, just east of the Adelaide Avenue exit, when he was struck by a vehicle.
The incident occurred shortly after 8:45 am while Officer Lee was setting out flares to secure the crash scene. A driver, speeding on wet roads, lost control of his car and struck Officer Lee. The impact pinned Officer Lee between the driver’s vehicle and another vehicle before throwing him several feet.
He was immediately transported to SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver, 24-year-old Ramon Arnaldo Chavez-Rodriguez, who was in the country illegally and on probation for a domestic battery conviction, was apprehended at the scene.
He has been charged with the DWI death of a law enforcement officer, exceeding the posted speed limit, and operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid license.
officer lee’s tragic duty death
Sen.
Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., expressed deep anger over the killing of Officer Lee, calling the tragedy “avoidable.” Schmitt said, “It’s infuriating that the suspect in this case wasn’t deported years ago, as local media is reporting that he is allegedly an illegal alien who has faced domestic abuse and DWI charges in the past while out on bond for entering this country illegally.”
The senator also criticized prosecutors for not previously imposing harsher penalties on Chavez-Rodriguez. “[Chavez-Rodriguez] was given a slap on the wrist and allowed to walk free after serious charges such as domestic assault and endangering the welfare of a child were filed against him,” Schmitt remarked. Officer Lee is survived by his wife and two children.
His dedication and service to the community have left a lasting impact on those who knew him and the broader St. Louis community. St.
Louis Police Chief John Hayden expressed his deepest condolences to the fallen officer’s family, stating, “Our department is devastated by this loss. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that such a tragedy does not happen again.”
The community has rallied in support of the police force and the officer’s family, with numerous vigils and memorial services taking place across the city. As retired Milwaukee Police Officer Javier Cornejo aptly reflected, “The true measure of a person is not found in the might of their arm, their wealth or their power – it is found in the strength of their character.”
Officer Lee’s passing marks a solemn moment for the St.
Louis Metropolitan Police Department, as they remember a beloved officer who gave his life in the line of duty.
- Local12.”Missouri senator furious after illegal migrant charged in cop’s death: ‘Avoidable'”.
- KSDK.”New details on driver charged in St. Louis police officer’s death”.
- ODMP.”Police Officer David Lee, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri”.