Hero Down: Arizona DPS Sergeant Leo Becenti Dies After Being Hit By Vehicle

Kingman, AZ – Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Sergeant Leo Becenti died on March 9 after he was hit by a vehicle, according to police.

The 54-year-old sergeant was off-duty when he responded to a disturbance in the 1900-block of Dawes Avenue at approximately 10 p.m., KSAZ reported.

When he arrived at the scene, Sgt. Becenti got into a physical altercation with a man and ended up falling into the street, according to Kingman police.

He was then struck by an oncoming vehicle driven by a 54-year-old woman, The Miner reported.

Police and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and rendered aid prior to transporting Sgt. Becenti to Kingman Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The investigation into the incident remained ongoing, The Miner reported.

No further details were immediately released.

Sgt. Becenti enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Desert Storm prior to beginning his law enforcement career with the Kingman Police Department (KPD), according to his obituary.

He joined the AZDPS four years later, and spent the next 23 years with the agency.

Sgt. Becenti was stationed in AZDPS District One, which encompasses the northwestern area of Arizona, the Associated Press reported.

Sgt. Becenti leaves behind his wife, Sara, and his sons, Leo and Lionel, according to his obituary.

He is also survived by his parents, siblings, and his granddaughter.

Sgt. Becenti was laid to rest on March 19.

(1/3) A heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Sergeant Leo Becenti Jr., as Second Lady and I join the State of Arizona in prayer for the loss of this tremendous person. pic.twitter.com/mlo2dIM7CE

— Myron Lizer (@NN_MyronLizer) March 11, 2022

It is with tremendous sadness that AZDPS announces the death of Sergeant Leo Becenti Jr., #5405.

Sgt. Becenti, a 23-year veteran of AZDPS, died as a result of injuries sustained when he was struck by a vehicle while off duty in Kingman last night, March 9, 2022.

— Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) March 10, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Arizona Department of Public Safety Sergeant Leo Becenti, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.