PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — Former Paradise Valley police chief John Wintersteen, 78, and another man were killed over the weekend in a pedestrian crash while trying to help his dog, 12News has learned. Wintersteen was a Marine Corps veteran and career law enforcement official.
The Paradise Valley Police Department said the incident happened on Sunday near 46th Street and Lincoln Drive.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Un conductor atropelló a dos personas que intentaban ayudar a un perro herido en una calle de Paradise Valley
According to early reports, the dog was initially hit by 47-year-old Nooraly Lalji who stopped his car and got out to help. At some point, Wintersteen came out of his home to help as well.
Both the initial driver and Wintersteen were trying to help the animal when they were struck by a Lexus RX. After the initial collision, a second vehicle drove over at least one of the men after they had been struck.
Both men were taken to the hospital with critical injuries where they later died, police said. The dog also died from its injuries.
"He put service above self," Clarkdale Police Chief Randy Taylor said about Wintersteen.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Un conductor atropelló a dos personas que intentaban ayudar a un perro herido en una calle de Paradise Valley
Wintersteen was interim chief in Clarkdale from 2011-2012.
"He was a tough act to follow. Every staff member absolutely loved him," Taylor added.
Police said both drivers remained on the scene following the incident and investigators don't believe impairment was a factor.
12News is gathering more information about this story; additional details will be added as they become available.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app