Police Officer Ernest Kearns Ponce de Leon, Tallahassee Police Department, Florida

Police Officer Ernest Kearns Ponce de Leon

Tallahassee Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Friday, July 8, 1988

Ernest Kearns Ponce de Leon

Officer Ernest Ponce de Leon was shot and killed while assisting another officer during a suspicious vehicle call. The occupants of the vehicle had claimed that their identification was packed in luggage in the trunk. One of the occupants was accompanied by the other officer to the trunk while Officer Ponce de Leon covered them. Suddenly two of the men pulled out handguns and opened fire, striking Officer Ponce de Leon, who was not wearing a vest, in the chest.

One of the suspects was shot and wounded by the other officer. All of the suspects were apprehended as backup officers arrived on the scene. It was learned that the suspects had escapted from the Maryland Department of Corrections a few days prior. The 33-year-old suspect who shot Officer Ponce de Leon was sentenced to death and the others were sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

The suspect sentenced to death died in prison October 27, 2015, of apparent natural causes.

Officer Ponce de Leon was survived by his son and daughter.

Bio

Age 40
Tour Not available
Badge 647

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Died in prison

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Ponce DeLeon,

I was a young man living in Tallahassee contemplating a career in law enforcement when this tragedy struck. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing you, you indirectly inspired me to fulfill my dream and carry the torch. I think of you and your courage frequently.

Thank you for protecting us, you are an inspiration to all.

May God continue to bless and keep you and your family forever.

R. Goetz
Friend

December 7, 2018