Holly MatkinPhoenix, AZ – Phoenix Police Department (PPD) Officer Ginarro New was killed in the line of duty on Monday night after a driver ran a red light and crashed into him, according to police.
The collision occurred at the intersection of Greenway Parkway and Cave Creek Road at approximately 10:45 p.m., KTVK reported.
A witness told investigators a vehicle ran through a red light at a high rate of speed and slammed into Officer New’s patrol car, according to the PPD.
The force of the collision shoved the patrol SUV through a brick wall and into the parking lot of a nearby gas station, KTVK reported.
Officer New’s vehicle came to rest on its side, according to KSAZ.
The driver of the suspect vehicle, 31-year-old Christopher Castro, was pronounced dead at the scene, KTVK reported.
Investigators said they believe impairment and speed were both factors in the crash.
Officer New, 27, was extricated from his vehicle by first responders and was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, KNXV reported.
“I want to express my deep thanks and appreciation to HonorHealth – the doctors, the nurses, the surgeons – who tried to save Officer New, as well as the Phoenix Fire Department that did everything possible to try to preserve his life,” Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said during a press conference early Tuesday morning, according to KTVK.
“Our community is grieving the loss of Phoenix Police Officer Ginarro New,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in a statement released Tuesday. “On behalf of the City of Phoenix, we thank Officer New for his service and commitment to keeping us safe. We hold his family in our hearts, and will keep his memory in our minds.”
“I invite our community to thank his Phoenix Police colleagues who face these kinds of dangers daily. Our thoughts are with them today, as are our condolences for this terrible loss,” Gallego added.
Officer New served in the U.S. Marine Corps prior to joining the PPD in July of 2019, KTVK reported.
He leaves behind his wife, Misty, as well as his brother, mother, and grandmother, according to a fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of their loss.
Officer Ginarro New may have only worked with us for a short time, but he left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Here is a look back at his time at #PHXPD.
If you’d like to help Officer New’s family, you can learn more at https://t.co/Qfnk7jk9bY. pic.twitter.com/gjCnyREEgZ
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) June 2, 2021
This sums up the heartache our Phoenix Police officers are feeling after they lose one of their own. Investigators say 27-year-old Officer Ginnaro New died when a driver ran a red light and crashed into him. Please keep this department in your thoughts. pic.twitter.com/asnH3nStMT
— Nick Ciletti (@NickCiletti) June 1, 2021
We want to thank Officer New for his unwavering support to his community.
Many of you have asked how you can help support Officer New’s family. The Phoenix Police Foundation is accepting donations, & 100% goes to the officer’s family. To learn more, visit https://t.co/Qfnk7jk9bY pic.twitter.com/vADP25ihZj
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) June 1, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Phoenix Police Department Officer Ginarro New, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
