Officer Free was killed in an automobile accident while responding to back up an officer on a family disturbance call. During his response, a vehicle turned in front of him. His cruiser glanced off of the car, struck a utility pole and then struck a chain link fence. A piece of the fence entered the vehicle, fatally injuring Officer Free. The driver of the other vehicle fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident and failing to render aid to an injured person.

Officer Free had been with the agency for one year.