Phoenix Police Officer Struck and Killed While Investigating Crash

A Phoenix police officer was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while on duty Thursday morning.

Officer Paul Rutherford was investigating a crash that occurred near 75th Avenue and Indian School Road shortly before 8:30 a.m. when he was hit by another vehicle, according to KNXV-TV.

The 51-year-old officer was transported to an area hospital in critical condition where he was pronounced dead.

"Our community has a reason to mourn because, once again, one of our officers was killed in the line of duty," Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said during a news conference. "This is just another example of the inherent dangers that our officers face each and every day, and yet they put that full uniform on and go out and serve our community."

The officer's death marks the 39th line of duty death in the Phoenix Police Department's history.

Rutherford leaves behind a wife and two adult children.

Funeral arrangements are pending.