Author: Sean Curtis
By PoliceOne Staff
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — An officer was killed after being struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop.
Salt River Police Officer Clayton Townsend stopped a vehicle Tuesday and was standing on the shoulder of a loop when he was hit by a passing vehicle, ABC 15 reports.
Arizona DPS says Townsend was transferred to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after.
The driver who killed the officer admitted he was texting and driving.
Salt River Police Chief Karl Auerbach says Townsend was “one of the most dedicated, loyal, and committed officers” while serving with the department for five years.
