Joseph Sylvester Lee was born on August 13, 1887, in Venice California. He was appointed a San Diego police officer on October 6, 1917.
After serving as a patrolman for a little more than two years, Lee was appointed a motorcycle officer.
On March 19, 1921, Officers Lee and Bert Johnson were assigned speed enforcement duties in downtown.
As the officers stood along the road they saw a speeding car pass them.
Officer Johnson jumped on his motorcycle and gave chase while Lee stood waiting for another speeder. Within minutes a speeding car whizzed past and Lee started up his motorcycle to give chase. The pursuit continued through the intersection of India and Cedar Street at 60mph.
Unfortunately for Lee, an oil truck pulled into the intersection. It was too late to stop. Officer Lee crashed into the side of it. The impact of the crash threw Lee across the street where he hit a light pole headfirst. The impact crushed his skull and he died instantly.
Officer Lee was 33-years-old and married to Vivian at the time of the incident.
When citizens heard of his death several came to police headquarters to donate money to the widow. The couple had no children.
Joseph Sylvester Lee was born on August 13, 1887, in Venice California. He was appointed a San Diego police officer on October 6, 1917.
After serving as a patrolman for a little more than two years, Lee was appointed a motorcycle officer.
On March 19, 1921, Officers Lee and Bert Johnson were assigned speed enforcement duties in downtown.
As the officers stood along the road they saw a speeding car pass them.
Officer Johnson jumped on his motorcycle and gave chase while Lee stood waiting for another speeder. Within minutes a speeding car whizzed past and Lee started up his motorcycle to give chase. The pursuit continued through the intersection of India and Cedar Street at 60mph.
Unfortunately for Lee, an oil truck pulled into the intersection. It was too late to stop. Officer Lee crashed into the side of it. The impact of the crash threw Lee across the street where he hit a light pole headfirst. The impact crushed his skull and he died instantly.
Officer Lee was 33-years-old and married to Vivian at the time of the incident.
When citizens heard of his death several came to police headquarters to donate money to the widow. The couple had no children.
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