Body of Missing Tennessee Deputy Recovered Following Arrest
Authorities have confirmed that the body of Deputy Robert “R.J.” Leonard, who disappeared after making an arrest, has been recovered. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee, in collaboration with the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office, made the discovery after locating Leonard’s vehicle in a river.
The body of Deputy Leonard is currently being escorted to the Knoxville Regional Medical Examiner’s Office for further investigation and examination. Joining in the procession are motor units from the HCSO, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Chattanooga Police Department.
Deputy Fails to Respond after Arrest
Authorities initiated a search for Deputy Leonard after he failed to respond to a status check following the arrest of a woman around 10 p.m. on Wednesday. Leonard’s patrol vehicle was soon after found in the Tennessee River on the border of Meigs and Hamilton counties.
Efforts are currently underway to confirm the identity of a female recovered from the backseat. Preliminary beliefs suggest it to be the arrested individual, according to Meigs County District Attorney Russell Johnson.
Leonard’s last known communication was a text to his wife stating “Arrest.” Unfortunately, the message was not received, leaving authorities concerned for his safety.
Intense Search Operation
Early Thursday, Leonard’s overturned patrol vehicle was located with the driver-side window down and filled with mud. The license plate verified it to be Leonard’s car, and its condition indicated a potential accident.
Meigs County officials have shed light on the challenging nature of the landing near the bridge at the Tennessee River, especially for those unfamiliar with the rural area. Given the poorly lit surroundings and Leonard’s apparent attempt to multitask while driving, authorities are currently working under the theory that it was an accident.
A Tragic Loss
Deputy Leonard, a recent graduate of the training academy, had joined the force in December. Sheriff Jackie Melton from Meigs County expressed deep sadness, emphasizing that Leonard had become an integral part of the community in a short period of time. He had been assigned to the night shift and had been performing exceptionally well.
Deputy Leonard leaves behind his wife and three children. This devastating incident has left the entire Meigs County community in a state of grief and shock.
