Police Officer Michael Barwick, 27
killed In The Line Of Duty

 

On August 29th, 2002, at 9:55 P.M., Police Officers Michael Barwick and Jenna Christian attempted to stop a stolen vehicle in the area of St. Louis Avenue and 25th Street. With the siren and roof lights activated, Officers Barwick and Christian pursued the fleeing vehicle. The officers chased the vehicle at a high rate of speed, crossing St. Louis Avenue. While crossing St. Louis the street, their police car was struck on the driver side by a minivan. The collision caused the patrol car to go airborne, land on its side, and burst into flames.

 

While the officers were trapped in the burning vehicle, a citizen ran for a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Responding officers freed Christian and worked to extract Barwick. After finally freeing Barwick, both Barwick and Christian were taken to St. Louis University Hospital. At 10:35 P.M., Officer Barwick died as a result of head injuries. The responding police officers who extracted Barwick and Christian suffered burns on their hands, and one officer suffered a burn to his eye.

 

Officer Christian and the van driver also suffered injuries. The van driver suffered only minor injuries. Since this horrible accident, Officer Christian has recuperated from her injuries and resumed working for the St. Louis Police Department.

 

Other officers chased the stolen vehicle for more then hour. The driver and its passenger were finally apprehended and charged with felony murder in connection with Officer Barwick’s death. Subsequently information gained from this arrest, lead to the apprehension of several members of an auto-theft ring operating in the St. Louis Area.

 

Officer Michael BArwick had been with the St. Louis Police Department’s fourth district for two years. Since fifth grade, Michael worked for Maryland Yards, President Casino, and the Daimler Chrysler Corporation but still wanted to pursue his dream. He attended the University of Missouri where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice in 1998 before he joined the St. Louis Police Department.

 

Michael Barwick is survived by his parents, Mitch and Janice Barwick. He also leaves behind an adored godson and his beloved Brotherhood of Police Officer’s.

 

Among Mitch and Janice Brawick’s regrets for their son “is that our son didn’t get to live his dreams long enough.” 

 

 

Click here to view Missouri State Trooper, Michael Newton page.