Nov 19, 2008 9:42 am US/Eastern
Police Sergeant Killed In Crash, Driver Charged
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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Sergeant Timothy Simpson, 46, was killed in a violent collision in Port Richmond while responding to a robbery call on November 17.
CBS
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William Foster, 41, is facing charges of homicide by vehicle an 3rd degree murder after a crash that killed a Philadelphia Police sergeant.
CBS
A driver with a lengthy criminal record is facing charges after a collision in Port Richmond that claimed the life of a veteran Philadelphia police sergeant late Monday night.
Sergeant Timothy Simpson, 46, was reportedly responding to a robbery call when he was involved in a crash with a black Camaro at the intersection of Allegheny and Aramingo Avenues at about 10:30 p.m.
Witnesses reported the Camaro was traveling at a high rate of speed and had run a red light at the time of the collision. The impact sent Sgt. Simpson's cruiser into a nearby building while the Camaro struck a light pole.
Rescue crews rushed Simpson to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at about 11:05 p.m.
Two people, both from Levittown, were riding in the Camaro at the time of the crash. The passenger was reportedly trapped in the wreckage for nearly an hour. He was transported to an area hospital with a broken hip.
District Attorney Lynne Abraham said the Camaro had been fleeing an attempted traffic stop prior to the crash.
Police recovered three bags of heroin on the driver of the vehicle, identified as 41-year-old William Foster. Investigators are awaiting the results of blood tests to determine if he was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Officials said Foster was charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, third degree murder and related charges.
Foster is said to have a lengthy criminal record with more than 20 arrests since 1986 and was out on probation driving on a suspended license. Investigators said he was in Philadelphia with the intent to purchase heroin.
Foster was arraigned Tuesday evening and is being held on $2 million bail.
The identity of the passenger has not been released. He is not currently facing any charges.
Sergeant Simpson, a 20-year veteran with the 24th District as of November 14, is survived by a wife and three children.
Sgt. Simpson was one of the arresting officers of a suspect who shot and killed fellow 24th District Sergeant Stephen Liczbinski.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said Simpson was recently named supervisor of the month.
"An excellent sergeant, excellent police officer," said Commissioner Ramsey. "You can't say enough good things about him."
Sgt. Simpson was remembered by fellow comrades and community members during a vigil at the crash scene and a church service at St. Jerome's in Northeast Philadelphia.
The tragic crash remains under investigation. Sgt. Simpson is the fifth officer killed in the line of duty in just over a year.
Sgt. Simpson's Funeral Arrangements:
Sunday, November 23, 2008:
Viewing at Givnish Funeral Home In Northeast Philadelphia
Monday, November 24, 2008:
7:30 a.m. Viewing at The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul
11:30 a.m. Funeral Mass: The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul
Philadelphia's Fallen Heroes* Sgt. Patrick McDonald, 30, was shot and killed after a foot pursuit in North Philadelphia on September 23, 2008 (
Read More...)
*Officer Isabel Nazario was killed in a car accident on Friday, September 5, 2008. She was 40. (
Read more ... )
* Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski was shot and killed on Saturday, May 3, 2008. He was 39. (
Read more ... )
* Officer Chuck Cassidy was shot on October 31, 2007. He died on November 1, 2007. He was 54. (
Read more ... )
Read more about Philadelphia's Fallen Heroes...
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Officer Pawlowski Killed In Line Of Duty
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