Phoenix-area police officer dies while chasing suspect on foot

PHOENIX — A Phoenix-area police officer died Tuesday after he had a seizure while chasing a suspect, the El Mirage Police Department said.

Police Chief Terry McDonald said officer Paul Lazinsky, 58, was assisting other officers with a call near Grand Avenue and Acoma Drive when the suspect fled on foot.

Lazinsky gave chase but collapsed. Other officers performed first aid on the scene and he was taken to a hospital, where he died.

“To my knowledge, this may be the first police officer to die in the line of duty for the El Mirage Police Department,” McDonald said.

The suspect was a juvenile and will not be identified. McDonald said he did not think the suspect and Lazinsky had any physical contact.

The suspect was caught and the Arizona Department of Public Safety was investigating.

Lazinsky is survived by a wife and three children. McDonald said Lazinsky was planning to retire in about 10 months after spending 17 years with the department.

Lazinsky served 20 years in the Army before becoming a police officer.

McDonald said Lazinsky was one of the first officers he met when he joined the department six years ago.

“[Lazinsky] was the absolute voice of reason and was a pleasure to have on board as an officer,” the chief said.

McDonald said every major police chief in the city has reached out to offer condolences and officers from other departments were being brought in to help cover shifts.

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