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A tragic incident occurred involving a Missouri businesswoman who was killed in a collision with a police SUV. Misty Leslie, 48, died when an Independence Police Department officer, driving a 2024 Ford Explorer, struck her 2022 Audi SQ5. The crash took place at an intersection near Kansas City after 1 a.m. on Oct. 11.
The Independence Police Department reported that the officer was on duty, heading west on U.S. Highway 24 with emergency lights and sirens on when Leslie’s Audi entered the intersection. Investigations suggest the officer had a green light, while Leslie faced a red light. Both drivers were wearing seat belts.
Leslie sustained serious injuries and died in the hospital. The officer was hospitalized but did not suffer major injuries. Details about the speed of the vehicles or the emergency response remain unknown. The investigation continues.
The crash happened following recent changes in the department’s policy on high-speed pursuits. Interim Police Chief Douglas Brinkley highlighted that in 2025, there were 541 pursuits by Independence police, compared to 137 by Kansas City police. Past scrutiny led to policy revisions limiting pursuits for minor violations.
The Independence Police Department is under examination for its driving practices. A 2024 report revealed Independence led the Kansas City area in high-speed pursuits, with over 1,200 region-wide pursuits causing more than 150 crashes and 51 injuries in 2022. Independence accounted for about a third of these injuries.
As of now, Leslie’s crash did not involve a pursuit but occurred during a response to an emergency call. The Independence Police Department has not disclosed specifics about the officer’s speed or the nature of the emergency call.
Misty Leslie was a district manager at Signet Jewelers and owned EBW Photography. Her family remembered her as a competitive leader and devoted mother. Her obituary emphasized her pride in her daughter, Emarea Leslie.
Friend Christel Meinhold paid tribute to Leslie, highlighting their bond over motherhood and mutual support. Meinhold shared memories of their friendship and Leslie’s dedication to her career and family.
A funeral service for Leslie took place on Oct. 19 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Fox News Digital seeks further information from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Signet Jewelers regarding the incident.