Mon Sep 23 22:00:25 UTC 2024: ## St. Louis Police Officer Killed by Intoxicated Illegal Immigrant

**St. Louis, MO** – A 24-year-old illegal immigrant, Ramon A. Chavez-Rodriguez, has been charged with the death of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Lee. Chavez-Rodriguez was driving 71 mph, exceeding the speed limit by 16 mph, when he struck Officer Lee, who was responding to a separate crash.

Officer Lee, an 18-year veteran of the police force, died hours later. A blood test taken two hours after the accident revealed Chavez-Rodriguez’s blood alcohol level was 0.10%, above Missouri’s legal limit of 0.08%.

Chavez-Rodriguez, a Honduran national, was also found to be driving without a valid license. He has been charged with DWI resulting in the death of law enforcement personnel, speeding, and driving without a valid license. He remains jailed without bond, with federal authorities handling his immigration status.

Prior to the accident, Chavez-Rodriguez was already scheduled for an October hearing regarding his immigration status. He was also on probation for a 2020 felony domestic assault conviction and DWI case in St. Charles County, Missouri. His probation specifically prohibited him from drinking and driving, as well as entering establishments where alcohol was sold.

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Tracy expressed his condolences to the family of Officer Lee, stating his top priority is ensuring justice for the fallen officer and supporting the grieving officers and family.

This incident marks the second instance this year where an illegal immigrant has been involved in the death of a police officer in the line of duty. In March, an intoxicated illegal immigrant from Mexico crashed his speeding SUV into a Washington State Trooper’s patrol car, resulting in the officer’s death.

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