Chandler 911 operator killed in head-on crash in northern Arizona
Jun 11, 2018, 6:33 PM | Updated: Jun 12, 2018, 10:03 am
(Photo: Chandler Police Department)
PHOENIX — A 911 operator with a Phoenix-area police department was killed in a car accident that involved a suspected drunk driver over the weekend.
The Chandler Police Department said 58-year-old Cathy Coppes was riding a motorcycle Sunday while traveling on the U.S. 89, about 20 miles north of Flagstaff, when a vehicle allegedly crossed the center lane and struck her head on.
Coppes was killed on impact, the department said. They did not give any suspect information.
Chief Sean Duggan tweeted about the news Monday, saying the department “suffered a tragic and senseless loss” and pleading with others to not drink and drive.
Coppes had served with the Chandler Police Department since 2002.
In a statement, the department called her a “valued member of the communications staff and was instrumental in training and developing new employees.”
She is survived by her husband.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash.