The St. Louis region is heartbroken over the loss of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Lee. Officer Lee was 44 years old and an 18-year veteran of SLMPD.
Around 8:30 a.m. on September 22, 2024, Police Officer Lee was called to a one-car crash on Interstate 70 eastbound near Grand. While in the process of retrieving traffic cones from the back of his police vehicle, a 24-year-old man driving a Kia Sorrento was travelling eastbound in the middle lane of I-70. The 24-year-old lost control of the Kia and the vehicle started to rotate/spin. The Kia then Officer Lee, critically injuring him.
Officer Lee was transported to St. Louis University Hospital where he died in surgery.
Officer Lee leaves behind a wife and two children.
“We will be by their side, helping in anyway we can, as they go through their darkest hours,” said St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Tracy. “We’re devastated. We’re heartbroken. But, we will continue to serve and protect the City of St. Louis and make our fallen colleague proud.”
The 24-year-old male driver of the Kia was taken into custody after showing signs of impairment. SLMPD is preparing a case file to present to the Circuit Attorney’s Office.
The Accident Reconstruction Unit is handling the ongoing investigation.
Honoring Officer DAVID Lee
As we mourn the loss of Officer Lee, we invite the St. Louis community to pay respects at North Patrol as we honor the fallen officer. Officer Lee was previously assigned to North Patrol before working in our Traffic Unit.
A news conference was held Sunday evening with St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Tracy and Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore.
