Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona
End of Watch: Friday, January 2, 1998
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: 3818
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: January 2, 1998
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: No charges filed
Officer Douglas Knutson was killed after being struck by a vehicle while he was assisting a disabled motorist Loop 202, near the Scottsdale Road entrance ramp in Tempe.
He was waiting next to his motorcycle when he was struck by the driver who crossed the white line of the entrance ramp to the freeway. He was transported to Maricopa County Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The motorist who struck him was detained and the freeway was closed for several hours after the incident.
Officer Knutson had served with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for 12 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.