Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Friday, June 19, 2015
Add to My HeroesSonny Lee Kim
Police Officer Sonny Kim was shot and killed after responding to a 911 call at a home near the intersection of Roe Street, and Whetsel Avenue at approximately 9:30 am. The caller stated a man was walking on the sidewalk at that location with a gun in his waistband and acting belligerent.
Officer Kim was the first officer to arrive at the location and was approached by the subject, who made the 911 call. The man immediately opened fire on Officer Kim, wounding him. He then struggled with Officer Kim and disarmed him.
The man then used Officer Kim's gun to shoot at a Hamilton County probation officer and a second Cincinnati police officer who responded to the scene. The second officer returned fire, fatally wounding the subject. Responding officers performed CPR on Officer Kim until medics arrived and transported him to the hospital. He succumbed to his wounds a short time later.
It was later determined that the subject had intended to commit suicide by cop.
Officer Kim had served with the Cincinnati Police Department for 27 years. He is survived by his wife and three sons.
In February 2020, East Hyde Park Commons was renamed Officer Sonny Kim Park in memory of Officer Kim.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 27 years
- Badge 396
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 335 ReflectionsPolice Officer and martial arts master Sonny Kim, was a humble person. Officer Kim , always gave his all and would help anyone in need.
Gregory Cody
November 30, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Jacob Candanoza
Terrell Police Department, TX
EOW: December 8, 2024
Detective Allan Reddins
Oak Park Police Department, IL
EOW: November 29, 2024
Police Officer Jesse Branch
Red Lake Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: November 27, 2024
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Love
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: October 19, 2024
Police Officer Cooper Dawson
Greenville Police Department, TX
EOW: November 26, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ignacio "Dan" Diaz
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 25, 2024
Deputy Constable Katherine Hutson
Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 5, TX
EOW: November 22, 2024
Major Michelle Lynn Quintero
Madison County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 27, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, Jr.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024