Sergeant James Martin Leach

Sergeant James Martin Leach

Kansas City Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Saturday, May 2, 1992

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James Martin Leach

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.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour 14 years
  • Badge 310

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicular assault
  • Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
  • Offender Denied parole in 2004

hit-and-run, Impaired Driver, off duty, secondary employment

Most Recent Reflection

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To whom it may concern,

Joe Alan Smith has recently been granted parole and is out of prison. He has no remorse for what he has done. Is also up to no good. He frequents the St. Joe, Cameron and Gallitian MO areas.

Concerned Citizen
Non law enforcement

July 22, 2023

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