ARIZONA NEWS

Arpaio says he’ll investigate deputy involved in fatal crash

Mar 21, 2014, 5:00 AM | Updated: 5:00 am

PHOENIX — A Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputy is still on the job while the County Attorney’s Office decides whether he should be charged with manslaughter.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he’s planning his own internal investigation into the actions of Deputy Sean Pearce but did not say when that would begin.

Glendale police say that on Dec. 16, 2013, Pearce was driving a Chevy Tahoe 81 mph, which is twice the posted speed limit, when it struck a car near 59th Avenue and Northern. The driver of the car, 63-year-old Army veteran John Harding, was killed in the crash.

Pearce claims he was chasing a murder suspect at the time and that his Tahoe did not have lights and sirens in the car.

“He was not arrested,” Arpaio said. “This is an investigation by the Glendale police, who turned it over to the County Attorney. It will be up to the County Attorney to make a decision on any charges.”

Arpaio said that Pearce is devastated by the accident. He added that Pearce has a great record as a deputy.

“He’s been on the job for 21 years. (He’s) dedicated,” Arpaio said. “No blemish on his record. He was shot and almost killed by a violent criminal.”

Pearce is the son of former Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce, a longtime Arpaio ally. Arpaio said that despite the relationship, he’s not showing favoritism or playing politics.

“If anybody wants to go after him, me or the County Attorney for political reasons…it’s not fair. This has nothing to do with politics,” said Arpaio.

Russell Pearce is also a supporter of Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A freeway sign on a poll says South Loop 101. Part of the southbound Loop 101 in Tempe will be clos...

Kevin Stone

East Valley closure tops list of metro Phoenix freeway restrictions this weekend

A full closure in the East Valley tops the list of metro Phoenix freeway restrictions this weekend.

46 minutes ago

A conservative lawmaker, Austin Smith, halted his reelection campaign for the Arizona House of Repr...

Associated Press

Arizona GOP lawmaker drops reelection campaign after forgery allegations

Republican Arizona state Rep. Austin Smith halted his reelection campaign after being accused of forging signatures on his petitions.

3 hours ago

Arizonans should make sure their pets and livestock have up-to-date rabies vaccinations, health off...

Balin Overstolz McNair

Arizona wildlife officials warn about rabies threat as temperatures rise

Arizona wildlife officials are issuing a rabies warning as rising temperatures draw more animals out of hiding.

4 hours ago

AZ Political Podcast: Garrett Archer talks election integrity...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Election analyst Garrett Archer with ABC15 talks election integrity

On this episode of the AZ Political Podcast, Garrett Archer, a data analyst with ABC15, sits down with Jim Sharpe to talk about elections.

4 hours ago

Johnny Was, a bohemian-inspired brand developed in California, is set to open in Scottsdale Fashion...

SuElen Rivera

Johnny Was relocates to Scottsdale Fashion Square from Kierland Commons

Johnny Was, a bohemian-inspired brand developed in California, is set to open in Scottsdale Fashion Square on Friday after relocating from Kierland Commons.

5 hours ago

The exterior of the El Dorado Tech Center in Gilbert. PipShip, an ecommerce solutions company, sign...

Kevin Stone

E-commerce solutions company PipShip moving operations from Tempe to Gilbert

PipShip is relocating its distribution and e-commerce operations from Tempe to Gilbert, a move of about 8 miles.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Condor Airlines

Condor Airlines can get you smoothly from Phoenix to Frankfurt on new A330-900neo airplane

Adventure Awaits! And there's no better way to experience the vacation of your dreams than traveling with Condor Airlines.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Avoid a potential emergency and get your home’s heating and furnace safety checked

With the weather getting colder throughout the Valley, the best time to make sure your heating is all up to date is now. 

(KTAR News Graphic)...

Boys & Girls Clubs

KTAR launches online holiday auction benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

KTAR is teaming up with The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley for a holiday auction benefitting thousands of Valley kids.

Arpaio says he’ll investigate deputy involved in fatal crash