DETROIT (WWJ) The Detroit Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Cameron Richardson who died on the way home from his shift in a hit-and-run rollover crash on the city's east side, police said.
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison called 32-year-old Officer Richardson "one of Detroit's finest."
"He was on the job just over one year," Bettison said in a press briefing obtained by WXYZ-Channel 7. "He's a family man. He has two daughters. He served on this department with distinction. He's a veteran in the military, Ranger, Staff Sergeant…"
The crash happened on Hoover at Greiner, near Seven Mile, on Sunday, January 5.
"We got a call at the service, a 911 call, at approximately 12:09 a.m…" Bettison said.
Bettison said Officer Richardson had just completed a tour of duty in the 9th Precinct. Witnesses told police a white van attempted to make a left turn in front of Officer Richardson, who was driving northbound on Hoover.
When the white van turned onto Greiner, it struck Officer Richardson's Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep rolled over, killing Richardson.
"It was quick," Bettison said. "He didn't suffer."
The white van fled the scene.
Michigan State Police Trooper 2 helicopter helped Detroit officers locate the white van a "short distance away." Police recovered a firearm inside the van, according to Bettison.
"We have a person of interest," Bettison said. "We have worked tirelessly since this…occurred. Of course (Officer Richardson's) family hasn't been to sleep. My officers haven't been to sleep."
The suspect is described as a 28-year-old man.
"We're asking the driver to turn himself in, to do a safe surrender," Bettison said.
He added officers identified everyone who was in the van, detained "a couple of them" and executed two search warrants.
As for Officer Cameron Richardson; Bettison said he always went above and beyond by taking on extra details and overtime, compiling thorough reports, and being a shift leader.
"His friends describe him as somewhat quiet but very, very conscientious and thorough," he said. "So (the Detroit Police Department) will never forget him. We will be wrapping our arms around his family."
