On December 23, 2015 at approximately 2:00 a.m., Tucson Police officers responded to the report of an officer-involved traffic collision at the intersection of South Craycroft Road and East Williams Circle. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a marked 2007 Ford Crown Victoria patrol vehicle and a 2004 Dodge 4-door pickup were involved. The squad car suffered severe damage to the rear of the vehicle. The pickup was overturned and lying on its roof.
Officer Laura Shope, a two-and-a-half year veteran of the Tucson Police Department, was the driver of the squad car. Officer Shope was transported to Tucson Medical Center with minor injuries and was released the same day.
The driver of the pickup was identified as 23-year-old Cody Tucker. Mr. Tucker was transported to Banner University Medical Center for minor injuries. His passenger had minor injuries and was not transported.
Traffic investigators responded to the scene and determined the following: Officer Shope was traveling southbound in the 300 block of South Craycroft Road. Officer Shope was traveling in the curb lane and observed headlamps coming up behind her very quickly. Her patrol vehicle was then struck from behind. She immediately exited her patrol vehicle and assisted Mr. Tucker and his passenger.
Traffic Investigators determined that alcohol and speed were factors in the collision. After Tucker was released from the hospital, he was booked into Pima County Jail for two counts of felony Endangerment, one count of felony Criminal Damage, one count of Aggravated DUI, and one count of Operating a Vehicle Without Ignition Interlock Device as Required–While DUI.