Motorcyclist who crashed into Goodyear Police SUV dies

GOODYEAR, AZ (AZfamily) – A motorcyclist lost his life collide with police patrol car In the West Valley earlier this week.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred just before noon. Estrella Parkway and Van Buren Avenue A Goodyear police SUV with lights and siren activated responding to a call.

As the officer approached the intersection at a red light, deputies said a motorcyclist, later identified as 38-year-old Jacob Vela, struck the front of the patrol SUV.

Vela was not wearing a helmet and was taken to hospital in critical condition, where he later died. The police officer, who also suffered non-life-threatening injuries, was also taken to the hospital.

Video from the Arizona Family news helicopter showed a Harley Davidson motorcycle parked next to the damaged patrol SUV.

Investigators say Vela did not yield to the emergency vehicle and may have been speeding at the time of the crash. According to authorities, he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Deputies investigated the crash at the request of the Goodyear Police Department.

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