ST. LOUIS (KMOX)– A driver is arrested after a St. Louis City Police Officer was struck and killed on I-70 near Grand Avenue Sunday morning.
St. Louis City Police say Officer David Lee was hit while picking up traffic cones around 8:30 a.m. after an off-duty Ferguson firefighter had wrecked her vehicle. That firefighter was able to call for help using Lee’s radio.
Lee was taken to SLU Hospital where he died during surgery. Police say the 24-year-old driver accused of hitting Lee “showed signs of impairment.” No charges have been filed.
“We’re all going to mourning the loss for days to come and years to come after this,” said St. Louis City Police Chief Robert Tracy. “I can confirm a 24-year-old man has been detained after showing signs of impairment.”
“Today, I ask the entire St. Louis community to join us in mourning the passing of Officer David Lee,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Through his work and his passing, he has left an indelible mark on the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and our City as a whole. I want to thank the SLMPD officers at the scene and the team at SLU Hospital for their determination and care in trying to save Officer Lee’s life. Matthew 5:4 tells us ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ Our proud City must now come together to comfort Officer Lee’s family, friends, colleagues, and our entire community.”