Jefferson County Deputy Killed In Motorcycle Accident
ARVADA, Colo. (CBS4) – A deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office was killed when an SUV collided with his motorcycle Sunday morning.
"The deputy that lost his life was a integral part of this organization," said Jefferson County Sheriff Ted Mink.
According to Colorado State Patrol the deputy was traveling northbound on Highway 93 near 64th Parkway on his patrol motorcycle around 10 a.m.
At the same time investigators say 83-year-old Kenneth Hosch was driving southbound in his SUV and crossed the double yellow line to pass someone.
That's when the SUV hit the deputy head on.
"It's something that could have been prevented," said Colorado State Trooper Josh Lewis.
Though the deputy was wearing a helmet he sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Hosch was wearing his seat belt and sustained minor injuries.
According to Lewis, Colorado State Patrol has taken over the case.
"We can't speculate on any charges at this point. We're very early in the investigative stages," said Lewis.
The sheriff will not release the name of the deputy until family has been notified.
Investigators don't suspect drugs or alcohol as contributing factors in the crash.
Flags are at half staff at the sheriff's office as law enforcement officers mourn one of their own.
"Regardless of the uniform we wear, the shape of the badge we wear, we're all brothers. We're all out there making sure people are safe," said Lewis.