Phoenix Police Officer Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash

A Phoenix police officer was killed following a hit-and-run crash while on duty Sunday morning.

Officer Daryl Raetz was struck by an SUV near 51st Avenue around 3:30 a.m. while he was investigating a possible DUI incident on foot, according to KTVK-TV.

Sgt. Tommy Thompson told the news station that officers had stopped a vehicle and were in the process of processing the driver when Raetz was struck by the oncoming vehicle.

Officials said that following the incident, the vehicle that struck the officer -- described as a larger, lifted dark color SUV -- fled the scene.

Authorities are currently searching for the vehicle and the incident remains under investigation.

The 29-year-old police officer was a six-year veteran of the department and was an Iraqi war veteran.

He is survived by his wife and their child.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Officer.com will provide more information on this story as it becomes available.