Local

JSO officer killed when patrol car crashes on slick I-295

By Aurielle Eady, Action News Jax
By Aurielle Eady, Action News Jax

UPDATE: JSO released the name of the officer killed Tuesday morning in a single-car crash. That officer is Lance C. Whitaker.

JSO said that Officer Whitaker was a 17 year veteran with JSO and was 48-years-old.

BREAKING: JSO has released the name of the officer who died on I-295 this morning: http://bit.ly/2IJAvRU

Posted by Action News Jax on Tuesday, May 15, 2018

ORIGINAL STORY: 

A Jacksonville police officer  was killed in a single-car crash early Tuesday morning, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Mike Williams said the officer was responding to a traffic crash on I-295 at 4:30 a.m., when the officer hit a tree.

The officer was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

"It's a tough day for JSO and the city," Williams said.

JSO said the officer worked the midnight shift. Police said next of kin has not been notified yet.

Williams believes weather may have played a factor in the crash.

MORE: Photos from the deadly crash scene

The director of JSO patrol and law enforcement, Mike Bruno, said the community's heart is saddened and describes the officer as a hero.

"Heroes are the individuals that, every day, pin on the badge or put on the uniform, knowing they might not come back, but go out anyways," Bruno said.

JSO said the officer was killed on Police Memorial Day. 

"It's another reminder of the risks that men and women of JSO take on every day when they come on this job,'' Williams said.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. Williams said a FHP unit witnessed the crash.

In a tweet, FHP said, "As I stood there in the room when they made the final call of life to my JSO brother, this became one of the hardest days of my life. God bless you brother. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten."

Click here to watch full statement from Sheriff Mike Williams.

Mayor Lenny Curry, Florida Gov. Rick Scott  and multiple agencies have shared their condolences to the Sheriff's Office and the officer's family on social media.

"Our hearts are heavy for this officer, his family, and our brothers & sisters in blue....we responded and did all we could, but it wasn’t enough to save him," Curry said in a tweet.

"The community's heart today is saddened," Bruno said.

LIVE: JSO to give update on officer killed in deadly crash

Sheriff Mike Williams gives update on Jacksonville officer killed in deadly crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer's family and JSO. 💔 Story: https://bit.ly/2jVOshH

Posted by Action News Jax on Tuesday, May 15, 2018
DOT CAM: All lanes on I-295 NB lanes at Alta Dr are closed

SAD UPDATE: The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has confirmed that an officer was killed in the deadly morning crash Tuesday. Our thoughs and prayers are with the officer's family and JSO. MORE: https://bit.ly/2jVOshH -------------------------- 🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT | All lanes on I-295 NB lanes at Alta Dr are closed due to crash involving a patrol car. MORE: https://bit.ly/2jVOshH Audio: CBS47/FOX30 Newscast Audio

Posted by Action News Jax on Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Cox Media Group

Most Read