Police Officer Sonny Lee Kim

Police Officer Sonny Lee Kim | Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio Police Officer Sonny Lee Kim | Cincinnati Police Department, OhioPolice Officer Sonny Lee Kim | Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio
Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio
Police Officer Sonny Lee Kim | Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio Police Officer Sonny Lee Kim | Cincinnati Police Department, OhioPolice Officer Sonny Lee Kim | Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio
Police Officer Sonny Lee Kim

Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Friday, June 19, 2015

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Sonny 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.

Bio

  • Age 48
  • Tour 27 years
  • Badge 396

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

ambush, suicide by cop

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I just left the cemetery after paying my respects as we mark the 4th anniversary of your murder. Sadness, anger, and a deep sense of loss make my heart heavy today. We gathered this morning to have breakfast at the Diner and shared some stories and some camaraderie, all thanks to Aaron Jones and Larry! Tom Reid, Bob and I sat together.
I met you on my ride along in the academy when you took me out in the field. In 1996, I found myself working with you when I transferred in from Dst4. For about 20 years I was able to know you, learn from you, joke with you and respect you.
As my kids grew older and they would stop by the district with me to run errands, they got to know you a bit too. After checking on me and Uncle Ken, they always wanted to know “Did you see Sonny today? How’s he doing?” You were good with them, and kids in general, so you made an impression on them (I think a grown man named Sonny kinda made them chuckle).
I know that even if you were in an emergency room when you were shot, with the best trauma surgeon, it wouldn’t have made any difference in the outcome. The CPR we administered wasn’t going to save you. Emotionally, I still feel like I let you down and didn’t do enough. I carry that with me every day.
I am forever affected by that day. As is my family and all those whose lives you touched.
Rest in continued peace.

—Ron

P.O. Ron Fuller
Cincinnati Police

June 19, 2019

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