Detroit Officer Killed in Crash During Training Exercise
Officer Darren Weathers, 25, known as "Lucky" by friends and colleagues, was involved in the crash about 11:30 a.m. He had been an officer with the Detroit Police Department for less than two years.
Officer Darren Weathers, 25, was killed in a crash during training. (Photo: ODMP.org)
A Detroit police officer was killed Tuesday when he was involved in a crash on Michigan Avenue near Clark Avenue.
Officer Darren Weathers, 25, known as "Lucky" by friends and colleagues, was involved in the crash about 11:30 a.m. He had been an officer with the Detroit Police Department for less than two years.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig said Weathers was participating in a training exercise when he was hit by a vehicle, pushing his vehicle into a metal pylon, and he was rushed to Henry Ford Hospital, reports WDIV.
"They did everything they could possibly do to save his life," Craig said.
Although he wasn't on the force for long, Weathers was assigned to the department's Integrity Unit because of his skill level, Craig said. Weathers was participating in a surveillance exercise when the crash happened.
Weathers' uncle is a neighborhood police officer. He leaves behind a young daughter. He was a military veteran who fought in Afghanistan. His father also served in the military.
"He was a phenomenal officer," said Craig.
The chief said Weathers recently was awarded the Medal of Valor for his heroic actions during the shooting of his former partner Officer Waldis Johnson in April 2017. Johnson was shot in his head during an exchange of gunfire with a man. Weathers is credited with saving Johnson's life and killing the suspect.
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