Louisville Police Officer Struck, Killed by Impaired Driver
By Officer.com News
A Louisville Metro Police detective was killed Monday afternoon after her patrol car was struck by an impaired driver.
Detective Deidre "Dee Dee" Mengedoht , according to The Louisville Courier-Journal.
Mengedoht was conducting a traffic stop on a pickup truck on the eastbound side of Interstate 64 just after 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve when the semitruck crashed into the officer's vehicle.
The 32-year-old officer had been with the department for 7 1/2 years.
"Those who knew Dee Dee will tell you ... she always went above and beyond what was asked of her or required of her," Police Chief Steve Conrad said at a press conference. "This is a tragic, tragic day for everyone."
Police arrested the semitruck driver, 60-year-old Roger Burdette, on charges of murder and operating a vehicle under the influence. Burdette admitted to taking multiple prescription drugs, according to an arrest citation. He "made no attempt to avoid collision with police vehicle.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
