Detective Dave Miller, 30, was leaving a north area business with his brother-in-law when his brother-in-law became involved in an altercation with two men in the parking lot. The two men jumped into their car, and as they were leaving the lot, they swerved and struck Miller’s brother-in-law.
Detective Miller, who observed the incident, jumped into his truck and pursued what he believed to be fleeing felons. As he gained on the suspect vehicle, he attempted to slowly force their vehicle to the side of the road. As he did so, his pickup hit the rear of the suspect vehicle and his pickup veered from the roadway and hit a power pole.
Detective Miller was killed instantly in the crash. The sad irony of this incident is that subsequent investigation determined that Miller’s brother-in-law was struck accidentally causing minor injuries. However, Detective Dave Miller was performing in his capacity as a peace officer in his belief that a deliberate act of violence had occurred, initiating the pursuit which lead to his death.
Detective David Miller is buried at Mount Vernon Memorial Park on Greenback Lane.