ST. LOUIS â A St. Louis police officer hit by a car Sunday morning on Interstate 70 near Grand Avenue has died at the hospital Sunday afternoon.
The officer was identified as David Lee, an 18-year veteran of the force. Police said they have a suspect in custody.
"We are devastated over the loss of our beloved colleague," an announcement on X, formerly Twitter, read. "Please pray for Officer Lee's family, friends, and the entire SLMPD and St. Louis community."
Condolences poured in on social media from political leaders and police departments across the region.Â
âToday, I ask the entire St. Louis community to join us in mourning the passing of Officer David Lee,â said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. âThrough his work and his passing, he has left an indelible mark on the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and our City as a whole.â
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âErin and I send our deepest condolences - and heartfelt appreciation - to the family of Officer David Lee, killed in the line of duty today,â U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley said.
âMy heart is with the family of Officer David Lee and his fellow officers,â said St. Louis Alderwoman Cara Spencer, of Marine Villa.
Backstoppers, a nonprofit that helps families of first responders killed or injured in the line of duty, said Lee, 44, left behind a wife and children.
Tonya Lee, Officer Lee's wife, told the Post-Dispatch her husband was a great man.Â
âAmazing husband, amazing father, amazing person,â she said.
Police spokesperson Mitchell McCoy said Lee had been setting up warning flares around a car accident when he was hit.
911 records show police responded to a car accident at Interstate 70 and Grand around 8:23 a.m. Multiple calls for aid followed at 8:38 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. Heavy rain had been sweeping through the region.
The driver of the car that hit the officer remained at the scene, McCoy said.
A press conference addressing the incident is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday.
It is with heavy hearts that we share Police Officer David Lee has died.
â St. Louis, MO Police (@SLMPD)