The Peoria Police Department is mourning one of its own after a tragic crash at a community outreach event at a local high school.
AZ Central reports that the accident happened on Wednesday morning immediately following a demonstration that Officer Jason Judd, 52, had given to children at a summer camp that was being hosted by the Peoria Police Department at Liberty High School. The high school is located near the intersection of 97th Avenue and Deer Valley Road.
The children went back into the building following the demonstration, so they didn’t witness what happened.
Brandon Sheffert, a spokesperson for the Peoria Police Department, said in a statement that the crash happened as Officer Judd was leaving the event.
“At some point, the motorcycle came out from under him and he crashed, and at that point, he was injured. Other officers already on the scene called for help. “
Officer Judd was rushed to Honor Health Deer Valley Hospital with significant injuries. Officials say that the 21-year police veteran died later that morning at approximately 11:30 a.m.
“Jason was one of our finest of the finest. He was a husband, a father, a friend, and just a great cop. He was an Air Force veteran and loved to serve the public of Peoria,” Peoria Police Chief Art Miller told reporters.
Authorities don’t know what caused the fatal crash. The investigation of the accident has been handed over to the Glendale Police Department.
A long procession of police motorcycles, SUV’s and cruisers from several police departments escorted Officer Judd’s body to the medical examiner’s office. Governor Ducey has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of the fallen officer.
The partners and staff of the Zanes Law Firm wish to express our condolences to the wife, children, fellow officers, and community of Officer Judd at this time.
