La Paz County Sheriff's sergeant involved in pursuit dies from crash
LA PAZ COUNTY, Ariz. - A sergeant with the La Paz County Sheriff's Office died after being involved in a pursuit early Monday morning, the sheriff said on Oct. 11.
Sergeant Michael Rudd was involved in the pursuit of a driver on eastbound I-10 near milepost 37 when he was struck by a driver, says Sheriff William Ponce.
He adds, "Sergeant Rudd was transported to Palo Verde Hospital in Blythe but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries."
The Arizona Department of Public Safety Vehicular Crimes Unit is investigating the incident.
Rudd served in La Paz County since 2013 and was promoted to Sergeant in March of 2021. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends," Ponce said.
Officers from the Quartzsite Police Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety were also involved in the pursuit.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, who also recently lost a deputy, shared, "The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office sends our most sincere condolences and support to the family, friends, and colleagues of La Paz County Sheriff's Office for their loss of Sergeant Michael Rudd. May he Rest In Peace."
"For the second time in just 3 days, AZ has suffered yet another line of duty death. Our hearts are heavy with grief for the family and friends of La Paz County Sherriff’s Office Sergeant Michael Rudd who was killed in the line of duty yesterday. Rest in Peace Sergeant Rudd," Phoenix Police said.
"A tough day for Law Enforcement & everyone in #AZ, we are saddened by the news of yet another line of duty death. Our thoughts are with the La Paz County Sheriff's Office after the death of Sergeant Michael Rudd earlier today," Peoria Police said.
"We're deeply saddened to learn of the line of duty death of Sgt. Michael Rudd of the La Paz County Sheriff's Office early this morning. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones & colleagues; his service & sacrifice will never be forgotten," remarked the Department of Public Safety.
Chandler Police said, "Our thoughts are with the entire La Paz County Sheriff’s Department as we learn of the death of La Paz County Sergeant Michael Rudd who was killed in the line of duty today. We extended our condolences to the entire department and the family of Sergeant Rudd."
Flags at all state buildings will be lowered to half-staff on Oct. 13 in honor of Rudd.
A GoFundMe has been set up in Rudd's honor.
MCSO Sheriff Paul Penzone speaks on recent tragedies involving Arizona law enforcement
It's been a tragic week for law enforcement in our state. La Paz County Sgt. Michael Rudd died on Oct. 11 during a pursuit on Interstate 10, and that same day, the family of Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy Juan Ruiz took him off life support after he was assaulted by a suspect last weekend. MCSO Sheriff Paul Penzone joins AZAM to speak on these tragic incidents.
La Paz County Sheriff William Ponce and Sergeant Michael Rudd. Rudd died in a crash early Monday morning during a pursuit. Photo courtesy of the La Paz County Sheriff's Office
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