A man named Ramon Chavez-Rodriguez, 24, is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday afternoon for his involvement in a tragic DWI crash that resulted in the death of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer David Lee. The incident took place on Sunday, Sept. 22, when Officer Lee was struck by Chavez-Rodriguez’s vehicle while responding to a single-car crash on Interstate 70 EB near Grand Blvd. Officer Lee, a respected 18-year veteran of the department, succumbed to his injuries despite undergoing surgery. He was 44 years old.
Chavez-Rodriguez is facing charges such as DWI resulting in the death of a law enforcement officer, speeding, and driving without a valid license. Court documents indicate that his blood alcohol content was above the legal limit at the time of the crash. Moreover, he was found to be driving without legal status in the United States and without a valid license.
This is not the first time Chavez-Rodriguez has had a brush with the law. In 2020, he was involved in a domestic violence incident in St. Peters, for which he was convicted. At the time of the crash, he was still on probation for that assault charge from St. Charles County.
Officer Lee is survived by his wife, two children, mother, and sister. A visitation for him is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, followed by a funeral service. Chavez-Rodriguez’s initial court appearance was postponed to allow his defense team to secure an interpreter.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and their families. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that individuals follow the law and regulations related to driving, especially when it comes to obtaining a valid license and complying with legal requirements. The loss of Officer Lee has undoubtedly left a void in the community, and his memory will be honored by those who knew and worked with him.
