Correctional Officer James Stephen Hopkins, II, St. Louis County Department of Justice Services, Missouri

Correctional Officer James Stephen Hopkins, II

St. Louis County Department of Justice Services, Missouri

End of Watch Thursday, August 20, 1998

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James Stephen Hopkins, II

Correctional Officer James Hopkins was killed when the corrections van he was driving was struck by a drunk driver on I-70, near Highway A, in Lake Saint Louis, at 9:00 am.

Officer Hopkins was transporting 12 prisoners when the other vehicle crossed the median and struck the corrections van and another car. The corrections van overturned six times. Officer Hopkins, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and killed. The driver of another car, a 31-year-old woman, was also killed. A second officer and eight prisoners were injured. They were treated at a hospital and released. Four prisoners were admitted to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The 40-year-old drunk driver was convicted of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and 14 counts of second-degree assault and sentenced to 17 years.

Officer Hopkins had served with the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services for five years. He is survived by his parents and sister.

Bio

Age 33
Tour 5 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
Offender Sentenced to 17 years

Impaired Driver, no seatbelt, prisoner custody, transport

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Hopkins,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Louis County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 20, 2023