In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded in Tennessee, a rookie deputy lost his life alongside a handcuffed suspect after his patrol car veered off the road and plunged into the Tennessee River. The incident has left two families mourning and a community grappling with the devastating consequences of this tragic accident.
Robert “RJ” Leonard, a 35-year-old father of five, had recently fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. Having graduated from the academy in December, he joined the Megs County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy, eager to embark on his law enforcement career.
The tragedy struck on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, just hours after Leonard’s wife had shared celebratory photos on Facebook. Leonard had texted his wife informing her of his first arrest, a milestone in his budding career. However, that message would be his last.
Attorney General Russell Johnson provided insights into the events leading up to the accident, revealing that Leonard responded to a scene at 9:48 PM and made the arrest shortly after. “He indicated at 9:51 that he was on scene, and by 10:15 he was en route back to the Megs County Jail with a subject,” Johnson stated.
However, communication with Leonard became increasingly difficult due to poor cell phone reception and radio communication issues in the remote area. Around 10:03 PM, a garbled radio transmission from Leonard was received, with authorities later deciphering the word “water.” Chillingly, this coincided with Leonard texting his wife the word “arrest.”
When Leonard failed to respond to his wife’s reply and didn’t check in with dispatch, alarm bells began to ring. A status check was initiated, with every other officer confirming their safety – except for Deputy Leonard.
Leveraging data from Leonard’s cell phone, authorities were able to track his location to the vicinity of the river. Search teams were dispatched, and their worst fears were confirmed when they discovered Leonard’s patrol car submerged at the end of an old ferry ramp.
The ramp, historically used by locals to launch boats into the Tennessee River, became the site of a double tragedy. Trapped inside the submerged vehicle was the individual Leonard had arrested, a mother of two named Tabitha Smith. Reports indicate that Smith was found handcuffed in the back seat, covered in mud.
Smith’s family shared that she had been struggling with drug addiction but was actively trying to turn her life around. The exact circumstances leading to her arrest remain unclear.
The search for Leonard continued, with hopes dwindling as time passed. The sheriff, visibly emotional, spoke of the devastating impact of Leonard’s disappearance on the tight-knit department. “Deputy Leonard had only been with us for a couple of months… he just graduated from the academy… and had gotten his training,” he shared, his voice thick with emotion. “We put him on the night shift and he was doing a pretty good job… he’s doing a real good job.”
Tragically, Leonard’s body was eventually recovered from the river by the Megs County EMS and Rescue Squad, assisted by dive teams. The impact on his colleagues was palpable, with one officer stating, “This is not something we ever deal with here in Megs County… a very small, rural county… we’re not used to it.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities piecing together the events leading up to the accident. While the area where Leonard was driving is known to be dangerous, particularly in the dark due to its rural nature, sharp curves, and proximity to the river, it remains unclear what caused him to drive off the road.
While some online speculation has pointed to distracted driving due to the text message exchange with his wife, investigators are urging caution, emphasizing the need to avoid speculation and await the conclusion of the investigation.
Attorney General Johnson stated, “We’re operating under the theory that it was an accident… that he missed his turn… he wasn’t familiar (with the area) and he was doing other things that may have caused him to go underwater.” Skid marks and scratch marks found at the scene suggest Leonard attempted to brake before the car entered the water, further supporting the possibility of a tragic accident.
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with law enforcement and the fragility of life. Two families are now left grappling with the profound loss of their loved ones, forever marked by this devastating tragedy.
