ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Missouri lawmakers unveiled a law in honor of a fallen St. Louis County police detective
On Wednesday, Missouri lawmakers unveiled legislation dubbed 'Valentine's Law' in honor of fallen St. Louis County Police Detective Tony Valentine.
The bill, a bipartisan sponsorship by by State Sen. Nick Schroer (R) and Tracy McCreery(D), aims to make it a felony for individuals who knowingly evade law enforcement during an attempted vehicle stop.
"We want there to be a message sent that fleeing from police is not safe," McCreery said in a press conference Wednesday. "Not only does it put law enforcement in danger, but it puts civilians in danger."
The bill assumes someone is fleeing if they continue driving after seeing emergency lights or hearing a siren.
"The proposed Valentine's Law stands as a testament to Missouri's commitment to public safety, serving as both a protective measure for law enforcement officers and a tribute to those, like Detective Tony Valentine, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," said the House in a press release before the conference.
Valentine was a St. Louis police detective, assigned to the Bureau of Drug Enforcement. On Dec. 1, 2021, Valentine was killed in head-on motor vehicle crash involving a stolen car in North St. Louis County. Before joining the department, Valentine served in the Army, Air Force, and Army National Guard. He was deployed in active combat to Iraq and Kyrgyzstan.
Valentine was recently honored in December 2023, with a bridge over the Meramec River on Telegraph Road, connecting Arnold and Oakville, being named after him.
St. Louis County Police Lt. Colonel Jason Law, who was Valentine's commanding officer, hope to see this law cross the finish line, especially with Valentine's son, Jaylan, set to graduate the Police Academy in July 2024.
"We hope to get this law across the finish line and make sure it gives our officers the tools they need for the deterrents of this law to keep people safe,"said Law. "It will also keep citizens safe because citizens also die from this events as well. We had 2,700 cars flees from us in 2023 and there's no consequences. It's more of a traffic violation."