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Suspect charged in police officer's death

A St. Louis Police officer watches as the patrol car that was driven by 27 year-old officer David Haynes is loaded onto a flatbed in St. Louis Wednesday.
(UPI photo)
A St. Louis Police officer watches as the patrol car that was driven by 27 year-old officer David Haynes is loaded onto a flatbed in St. Louis Wednesday.

By Associated Press

St. Louis, MO – A suspect involved in a chase that led to the death of a St. Louis police officer has been charged with second-degree murder.

Twenty-three year old Sheldon Beckham was taken into custody Wednesday.

Officer David Haynes, 27, was killed when his patrol car collided with two other vehicles at South Kingshighway and Oleatha as he pursued a burglary suspect.

Authorities said the cruiser's lights and sirens were on.

Haynes served in the Marine Corps before becoming a police officer last year. He was recently married.

It's not clear whether the pursuit met police guidelines.

Officers may give chase only when they believe a suspect committed a felony involving the use or threatened use of deadly force.

Beckham also has been charged with first degree burglary.

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