Missouri Businesswoman Killed in Collision with Police Cruiser

A 48-year-old businesswoman was killed on October 11 when a police cruiser collided with her vehicle in Independence, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City. Misty Leslie died from critical injuries sustained in the early morning crash.

According to preliminary information released by police, Leslie was driving through an intersection around 1:15 a.m. when Officer Arnold Matthew of the Independence Police Department struck her 2022 Audi SQ5 on the passenger side. Police allege that Leslie ran a red light as Officer Matthew was responding to an emergency call, and that he had his lights and sirens activated.

The force has not disclosed the speeds of either vehicle. Leslie was transported to a nearby hospital where she later died. Officer Matthew sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also hospitalized; his current condition and employment status with the department are unclear, with a spokesperson stating his status is "not an open record."

The Independence Police Department has previously faced scrutiny regarding officer-involved traffic crashes. Earlier this year, the department altered its policy on high-speed pursuits, prohibiting officers from initiating them for minor traffic offenses or city ordinance violations in an effort to reduce crashes.

The crash that killed Leslie remains under investigation. The Leslie family has declined to comment. Leslie is survived by her 21-year-old daughter, Emarea. Her loved ones described her as a dedicated mother, a successful entrepreneur through her photography business, Everything But Weddings (EBW) Photography, and a driven retail manager. She was also noted for her strong Christian faith.