Deputy killed in crash on Montgomery-Cheatham Co. line
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. November 17 2019 A tragedy struck the heart of law enforcement across the state Friday afternoon.
Tennessee Highway Patrol said Cheatham County Sheriff’s Deputy Stephen Reece was traveling eastbound on Oak Plains Road when he failed to stop at a stop sign.
Reece’s patrol car was hit on the driver’s side by a van, driven by 38-year old Jose Vilchiz from Madison. THP said Reece was not wearing a seatbelt, but it would not have made a difference.
THP said Reece was killed on impact from that crash. Vilchiz was sent to Tennova/Sango Hospital for his injuries.
“Only thing we can hope is that the injuries that Officer Reece received were instant because the crash was so severe,” said Lt. Bill Miller with Tennessee Highway Patrol. “We hope that he did not suffer.”
“Our hearts are really hurting tonight,” said Cheatham County Sheriff Mike Breedlove.
Reece was a husband and father who spent nearly 20 years in law enforcement.
“We also hurt for all the law enforcement community who knew him and knew his dedication and knew what a good person and good man he was, a good father,” Breedlove said.
Reece became a deputy with Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office in April.
“Stephen was just an amazing officer, deputy with us,” Breedlove said. “Was a very experienced individual who was so personable and so knowledgeable and loving and caring.”
THP will continue to investigate the crash and hopes it sends a strong message to drivers.
“Please do all you can to drive safe so you and your family don’t have to go through this,” Miller said.
Reece had also previously worked as a police officer with Metro-Nashville Police Department.
WKRN
