St. Louis County Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Wednesday, January 29, 1997
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Date of Incident: January 29, 1997
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Police Officer Willie Neal was shot and killed while performing an undercover drug buy at approximately 4:00 pm.
Officer Neal and his partner had agreed to meet the suspect in a liquor store parking lot in the 5900 block of Natural Bridge Avenue at 4:00 pm. During the exchange, the man produced a gun and pointed it at Officer Neal. Officer Nea's partner shot at the suspect but inadvertently struck Officer Neal.
The offender involved with the drug buy was later arrested and charged with felony murder. He plead guilty and was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Officer Neal had served with the St. Louis County Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.