After exiting his cruiser during the pursuit of a suspect, La Paz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Rudd was fatally struck by a commercial vehicle outside of Quartzsite on Monday.
October 12, 2021 –
An Arizona sheriff’s sergeant was killed Monday when he was struck by a vehicle during a chase.
La Paz County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Rudd was part of a pursuit of a suspect just after midnight outside of Quartzsite, KNXV-TV reports. At one point, Rudd stopped his cruiser, and he was struck by a commercial vehicle after exiting his unit.
He was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“He wore his heart on his sleeve and he was dedicated to this profession,” Sheriff William Ponce told KNVX. “Unfortunately, he died doing what he loved.”
Rudd had served with the sheriff’s office since 2013, and he was promoted to sergeant this year. He also had served in the Army and Air Force.
“He was a cop’s cop,” Chief Deputy David Gray told KNVX.
Flags around Arizona were ordered flown at half staff Wednesday in honor of Rudd. On Tuesday, they are being flown to honor Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy Juan Ruiz, who died Monday of injuries he suffered when he was attacked by a suspect over the weekend.