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Robert "R.J." Leonard *COP 2 of 2

Gender : Male

Age : 35

Race : White

Date : 02/14/2024

Location : Hiwassee River, Highway 60

City : Meigs County

County : Meigs

State : Tennessee

Agency : Meigs County Sheriff’s Office

Officer(s) :Unknown

Cause of Death : Drowned

Event : Drowned in patrol vehicle accident

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Deputy Leonard had just arrested a female on a bridge who was fighting with a man when he disappeared from radio contact. His cruiser was found upside down submerged under mud and water in the Tennessee River. There was no trace of Deputy Leonard. His body was later found in the river.Deputy Leonard was new in the area, having moved from NYC only a few months prior. It was 9 p.m. and dark. He was not familiar with the area. According to police, he was distracted radioing and texting when he went in the water.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.wvlt.tv/2024/02/16/body-missing-east-tennessee-deputy-found-officials-say/

https://www.police1.com/officer-safety/tenn-deputys-cruiser-pulled-from-river-body-of-female-suspect-recovered-from-back-seat