CHARLES CITY COUNTY, Va. -- A Charles City County deputy, on his way to assist a fellow officer making a traffic stop, was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Route 5 at 2 a.m. Saturday.
Deputy Michael C. Walizer, 36, of Charles City, died at the scene, said Virginia State Police Sgt. Thomas J. Molnar.
Walizer, who was driving a 2008 Ford police cruiser, ran off the right side of Route 5, crossed back over the road, then veered off the left side and struck a tree, according to Molnar's press release. Walizer was wearing his seat belt.
Walizer had been with Charles City County Sheriff's Office since 2006. He had 11 years experience in law enforcement and had previously worked for police departments at both Newport News/Williamsburg and Richmond international airports and the Caroline County Sheriff's Office.
Walizer is survived by his wife and four children.
"Our condolences go out to Michael's family and his friends. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him," said Charles County Sheriff Javier J. Smith. "This is a great loss for the department and the Charles City County community."
The accident is still under investigation by the state police and the Charles City and New Kent County sheriff's departments.
Copyright 2012 - Daily Press, Newport News, Va.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
