Ark. Sheriff's Detective Killed in Crash while Escorting Procession

An Arkansas sheriff's detective was killed in an on-duty motorcycle crash while escorting a Wreaths Across America procession Saturday.

The incident happened as Benton County Sheriff's Office Det. Paul Daniel Newell, 51, was part of an escort through Bentonville for the procession for the nonprofit organization that places wreaths on veterans' graves in cemeteries, KFSM-TV reports. Newell, a veteran, was in a center turn lane when his motorcycle struck the curb and he collided with an oncoming tractor-trailer.

"I'm deeply saddened to learn Arkansas lost a member of the law enforcement family today in a tragic accident," Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a statement. "My prayers are with Benton County Deputy Paul Newell's family, the Benton County Sheriff's Office, and the law enforcement community."

Newell joined the detention division of Benton County Sheriff's Office in 1998. He then graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy and served in a variety of roles, including patrol deputy, training sergeant and finally detective in the Criminal Investigation Division.