ST. LOUIS (First Alert 4) – A suspect has been charged in the death of a St. Louis officer.
Sunday morning, Officer David Lee, 44, was hit on Interstate 70 near Adelaide Avenue while helping with a previous crash. He died of his injuries Sunday afternoon.
A day after the incident, Ramon A. Chavez-Rodriguez was charged with DWI – Death of law enforcement or emergency personnel, exceeding the posted speed limit and operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid license.
Charging documents state that he drove at least 71 miles per hour five seconds before the incident, while the posted speed limit is 55 miles per hour. Chavez-Rodriguez reportedly lost control while driving in the rain and pinned Officer Lee between two vehicles, and then he was thrown several feet.
At the hospital, Chavez-Rodriguez had his blood drawn. Police said the blood draw showed a blood-alcohol content of .10 about two hours after Officer Lee was hit.
“My heart breaks for the family, friends, and colleagues of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Lee, who was tragically killed by an individual who was in this country illegally. This devastating loss serves as a harsh reminder of the real consequences of a broken system that fails to protect our communities. I am praying for Officer Lee’s family, friends, and the entire police department during this unimaginable time. We must honor his service by ensuring justice and security for all,” said Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.
Court records obtained by First Alert 4 showed Chavez-Rodriguez was on probation for a previous domestic assault and DWI case in St. Charles County. At the time of his last arrest, police said he was living in the country illegally.
“Officer David Lee, killed in the line of duty yesterday in St. Louis by an illegal immigrant. Enough is enough. CLOSE THE BORDER,” said Senator Josh Hawley.
After the charges against Chavez-Rodriguez were filed, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones issued the below statement:
“What this individual did to Officer Lee was unforgivable, and he must be held accountable for his actions. The full weight of the law will go toward seeking justice for Officer Lee,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “At the same time, we cannot let the actions of one individual speak for an entire community. While we mourn the death of Officer Lee, I urge us to come together as a City and show the world who St. Louis is. We are a City where we can both uphold justice and ensure that those who come to our city and abide by our laws have a place to live, work, and grow.
“The tragic loss of Officer Lee is a terrible reminder that too many in our community – both citizens and non-citizens – make the dangerous and selfish decision to drive while intoxicated. Because someone made that decision, a wife is now without her husband, children are now without their father, and our City has lost a good officer and a good man. The potential risks involved with driving under the influence are never worth it. If you’ve had too much, don’t drive.”
