Des Moines Police Department, Washington
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 7, 2001
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: 9504
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 7, 2001
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 34 years
Master Police Officer Steven Underwood was shot and killed while questioning four juvenile suspects he had stopped while they were walking along Pacific Highway at approximately 1:30 a.m.
Officer Underwood had requested backup and stated he recognized one of the suspects as a wanted felon. When additional units arrived, they found him with critical gunshot wounds to the abdomen and head. His pistol was still secure in his holster. Officer Underwood was wearing a vest, but the abdomen shot entered just below the vest line. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries approximately four hours later.
All four suspects were eventually apprehended, and the shooter was charged with aggravated murder. The other three suspects were not charged.
In November 2004, the suspect pled guilty to first-degree murder in a plea bargain with prosecutors. He was sentenced to 34 years in prison.
Officer Underwood had served with the Des Moines Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife and two-year-old son.
Local citizens dedicated the Steven J. Underwood Memorial Ball Park in Officer Underwood's memory.