UPDATED: Elk Grove Police officer dies in Highway 99 collision with a wrong way motorist, suspect held on murder DUI charges

UPDATED January 22, 7:30 a.m.

The Elk Grove Police Department announced this morning that an officer has died after a vehicle collision on southbound Highway 99 in Sacramento.

The officer, whose name has not been disclosed, died after an unidentified motorist traveling the wrong way on Highway 99 collided with the officer's motorcycle at 5:15 a.m. In a brief press conference at UC Davis Medical Center, Elk Grove Police Chief said today is "an incredibly sad day for the Elk Grove Police Department."

Albright described the officer as a six-year motorcycle officer veteran who was on his way to work when the other vehicle collided with his motorcycle. The officer succumbed to his injuries after being transferred for medical treatment at the hospital. 

"We are deeply saddened, we grieve, for our family, the law enforcement family, for the family of our officer, and for our community," Albright said. 

It was not disclosed if drugs or alcohol played a role in the collision. The highway was closed for almost six hours following the accident. 

 

UPDATE

The officer killed in the action has been identified as Tyler Lenehan. Also, as Lenehan was operating his motorcycle police unit, he died in the line of duty.

A suspect, Jermain Walton, 31, has been arrested on suspicion of DUI and murder. Walton has previously been charged with DUI.

Walton is in custody at the County Jail and will be arraigned on Tuesday. 

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