Suspect arrested in fatal hit-and-run of retired ASU police officer

PHOENIX – Police in Tempe have arrested a man suspected of being involved in a hit-and-run that left a retired university police officer dead.

Jeron Meeks, 35, was booked Tuesday on charges including manslaughter and hit-and-run fatality, the Tempe Police Department said in a press release.

Meeks is accused of hitting Albert Phillips, a former Arizona State University police sergeant, around 7:40 p.m. on Dec. 10.

According to court documents, Meeks was driving a van near Forest and Mill avenues when the vehicle allegedly crossed into a bike lane, smacked a curb and drove up onto the sidewalk and hit Phillips, who was on foot.

Witnesses told police that Meeks drove the van back onto the road with a shattered windshield and flat back tire, but soon abandoned the vehicle. He was later arrested at a hotel.

Police said Phillips was rushed to a hospital, but later died from his injuries.

Phillips worked 27 years with the campus police department, according to ASU officials.

Campus police have set up a fund online to help the family with financial responsibilities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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