Police Officer Ernest Kearns Ponce de Leon

Police Officer Ernest Kearns Ponce de Leon | Tallahassee Police Department, Florida
Tallahassee Police Department, Florida
Police Officer Ernest Kearns Ponce de Leon

Tallahassee Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Friday, July 8, 1988

Add to My Heroes

Ernest Kearns Ponce de Leon

Police Officer Ernest Ponce de Leon was shot and killed while assisting another officer during a suspicious vehicle call at the intersection of Levy Avenue and Lake Bradford Road.

The occupants of the vehicle had claimed that their identification was packed in luggage in the trunk. One of the occupants was accompanied by the other officer to the trunk while Officer Ponce de Leon covered them. Suddenly two of the men pulled out handguns and opened fire, striking Officer Ponce de Leon, who was not wearing a vest, in the chest.

One of the suspects was shot and wounded by the other officer. All of the suspects were apprehended as backup officers arrived on the scene. It was learned that the suspects had escaped from the Maryland Department of Corrections several days prior. The 33-year-old suspect who shot Officer Ponce de Leon was sentenced to death and the others were sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

The suspect sentenced to death died in prison on October 27th, 2015, of natural causes.

Officer Ponce de Leon was survived by his son and daughter.

Bio

  • Age 40
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge 647

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Died in prison

escapee, suspicious vehicle

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 45 Reflections

Father God, You are always faithful and quick to show mercy. Our Brother-In-Blue, Police Officer Ernest Kearns Ponce de Leon, of the Tallahassee FL Police Department, was suddenly and violently taken from us; Shot & Killed in the Line-of-Duty. Come swiftly to his aid, have mercy on him, and comfort his family, friends, and comrades by the power and protection of the Cross. I ask this through the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by His Authority, I pray. Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Minister Steven R. Closs, DDiv., NACM
Ordained/Licensed Independent CGOM Clergy No. 36526
I'M PRAYING MINISTRY: "Devoted to Intercessory Prayer and God's Word"
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

July 7, 2025

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.

Recent LODD Deaths