Map: Mesa officer involved in crash
MESA, Ariz. -- A Mesa police officer was involved in a fatal crash Tuesday morning.
A patrol car driven by Officer Helen Simmonds and a minivan were involved in a crash at Main and 80th streets in Mesa at about 7:15 a.m.
The van driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police spokesman Sgt. Tony Landato said Simmonds had just cleared a call and was engaged in routine driving when the collision occurred.
Simmonds required extrication from her vehicle and was transported to a local hospital. She suffered non life-threatening injuries and will be kept overnight for observation.
Simmonds is a 23-year veteran of the Mesa Police Department.
Since the accident occurred in a county island, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is conducting the investigation.
