Phoenix police chief reminds drivers to exercise caution after officer’s death

PHOENIX — The head of the Phoenix Police Department is encouraging drivers to slow down around emergency vehicles after one of her officers was struck and killed while responding to an accident Thursday.

“When you see emergency vehicles, we want you to exercise more caution,” Police Chief Jeri Williams told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Friday.

“Have your head on a swivel, pay attention, drive slowly. You don’t know what’s going on in the moment. We’re asking people to pay special attention.”

Officer Paul Rutherford was dealing with an accident near 75th Avenue and Indian School Road when he ran across the street to help his partner with another call.

That’s when he was struck by a 40-year-old woman driving an SUV.

“We’re all in a rush to get some place, sometimes you just need to take a deep breath and slow down,” Williams said.

Williams said it was “truly heartbreaking” to see how Rutherford’s death affected his family and his squad, but recognized her officers for continuing to do their jobs.

“His squad was extremely, extremely close. His first squad, they worked in different precincts together so they were truly a family. And when I saw the looks on their faces, it broke my heart,” she said.

“But at the end of the day, I still have people answering calls and making traffic stops as we speak, so I applaud the heart, soul and passion of Phoenix police officers. “

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