Police Officer Daryl Michael Raetz, Phoenix Police Department, Arizona

Police Officer Daryl Michael Raetz

Phoenix Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Sunday, May 19, 2013

Daryl Michael Raetz

Police Officer Daryl Raetz was struck and killed by an SUV while making an arrest for DUI near the intersection of 51st Avenue and Cambridge Drive.

At approximately 3:30 am Officer Raetz, along with several other officers, was processing a DUI suspect on the side of road when a passing SUV struck Officer Raetz. He was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital where he died.

The driver of the SUV fled the scene. He was arrested the following day after another officer spotted his vehicle and recognized it as matching the description of the vehicle that struck Officer Raetz. The subject is an illegal alien and was charged with drug possession. He pleaded no contest to charges of negligent homicide and hit-and-run with death or injury and was sentenced to serve eight years and an additional seven years of probation.

Officer Raetz was a veteran of the Iraq war and had served with the Phoenix Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife, child, parents, and brother.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 6 years
Badge 8899
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Struck by vehicle
Weapon Automobile
Offender In custody

Most Recent Reflection

View all 232 Reflections

I was lucky today Centurion. I got to face time your beautiful wife, daughter and mom. I got to talk to your best friend who thanks to you is now my friend. I shared with the future Centurions in my Department your sacrifice. Who knew I would be working at the college you attended while serving our Country in the Navy. You were the real deal-fearless-humble. I talked about you saving your father in laws life and so many others on the battlefield of Iraq.
I was lucky to know you.
ALL GAVE SOME-SOME GAVE ALL -435!

Chris Moore
Chief of Police Palomar College Police Department

May 18, 2018