Kansas City Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Saturday, May 2, 1992
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 14 years
Badge Number: 310
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: May 2, 1992
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Denied parole in 2004
Sergeant James Leach was killed when he was struck by a drunk driver as he was blocking a street filled with pedestrian traffic at Westport Road and Mill Street in Kansas City.
The driver intentionally sped up and smashed into the barricade, hitting Sergeant Leach and a 21-year-old man. The impact sent their bodies more than 85-90 feet away. The driver did not apply his brakes and continued driving through the closed street at 45-50 miles per hour, maneuvering around people walking.
The driver, who fled the scene, was involved in a second accident during a pursuit and then attempted to flee on foot but was arrested.
The 27-year-old suspect was convicted of Sergeant Leach's murder, two counts of second-degree murder, and two counts of armed criminal action. He was subsequently sentenced to serve two life terms. He was denied parole in 2004.
Sergeant Leach had served with the Kansas City Police Department for 14 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.