Okla. Motorcycle Officer Killed in Multi-Vehicle Collision

An Oklahoma motorcycle officer was killed in a multi-vehicle collision Tuesday, a day before his 13-year anniversary with his department.

The incident happened at about 3 p.m. while Edmond Police Sgt. C.J. Nelson was stopped on his motorcycle at an intersection, KOCO-TV reports. That's when a utility pickup truck struck at least five vehicles, and Nelson became caught in the ensuing chain-reaction collision.

First responders performed CPR on Nelson at the scene, and he was rushed to the hospital, where he later died. 

According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office, the pickup truck's driver told investigators that he had been driving fatigued and traveling at a high rate of speed when the crash happened. He claimed that he was unable to stop his truck before the collision, and witnesses said that the driver did not slow down for stopped traffic at the intersection.

The driver was arrested, and he faces charges of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree murder.

Nelson, 38, had been set to celebrate his 13th anniversary with the department on Wednesday, according to a statement from the agency. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son.

"Sergeant Nelson’s passing leaves a hole in the lives of those who loved him and in the community of Edmond that will never be filled," the department stated. "Sergeant Nelson dedicated himself to his family and serving a community that he loved." 

No other injuries were reported from the crash. The incident is under investigation by the Oklahoma City Police Department.