Paul Rutherford, Veteran Phoenix Cop, Struck And Killed: Police

PHOENIX, AZ — A Phoenix police officer investigating a collision was struck and killed by a car Thursday morning, Sgt. Tommy Thompson, spokesperson for Phoenix police, told reporters.

According to Thompson, the officer was investigating the collision in the 7600 block of West Indian School Road when he was struck by another car. He was taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition and later died.

In an update Thursday evening, police said that while Rutherford was responding to the crash he answered to respond to a priority radio call across the street. He was struck as he crossed Indian School Road, police said.

The officer was identified as 51-year-old Paul Rutherford. He had been with the Phoenix police department for nearly 23 years.

"Our community has a reason to mourn because once again one of our officers was killed in the line of duty," Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said at the press conference.

Rutherford leaves behind a wife and two adult sons.

"My deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of Phoenix Police Officer Paul Rutherford," Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said on Twitter. "Our prayers are with the @phoenixpolice family and the entire law enforcement community as we mourn this loss."

The investigation is in its primary stages, Thompson said. The driver of the car that struck Rutherford stayed on the scene, according to police. The driver was identified by police as a 40-year-old woman. Police determined that the driver was not impaired.

Asked if he had a message for drivers, Thompson said he would tell the community to use extreme caution if they come upon a collision.