Truesdale Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Sunday, October 6, 2002
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: 21
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: October 6, 2002
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Killed in accident
Officer Vernon Seals was struck and killed by a vehicle that was being chased by other officers on I-70 at 3:30 pm.
The two occupants had committed a home invasion robbery in Fulton, Missouri, earlier in the day and fled after being stopped by a state trooper. The suspect lost control of his vehicle while trying to pass a patrol car, causing the vehicle to overturn. The car struck Officer Seals, who was positioned next to his patrol car on the eastbound shoulder. Officer Seals was transported to St. Joseph Hospital West where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the vehicle was also killed in the crash, and the passenger was taken into custody. He was later sentenced to 20 years in prison for his part in Officer Seals' death.
Officer Seals had served as a part-time officer for the 280-person town for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and 2-year-old son.