PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — Former Paradise Valley police chief John Wintersteen, 78, and another man were killed over the weekend in a pedestrian crash while trying to help his dog, 12News has learned. Wintersteen was a Marine Corps veteran and career law enforcement official.
The Paradise Valley Police Department said the incident happened on Sunday near 46th Street and Lincoln Drive.
According to early reports, the dog was initially hit by 47-year-old Nooraly Lalji who stopped his car and got out to help. At some point, Wintersteen came out of his home to help as well.
Both the initial driver and Wintersteen were trying to help the animal when they were struck by a Lexus RX. After the initial collision, a second vehicle drove over at least one of the men after they had been struck.
Both men were taken to the hospital with critical injuries where they later died, police said. The dog also died from its injuries.
“He put service above self,” Clarkdale Police Chief Randy Taylor said about Wintersteen.
Wintersteen was interim chief in Clarkdale from 2011-2012.
“He was a tough act to follow. Every staff member absolutely loved him,” Taylor added.
Police said both drivers remained on the scene following the incident and investigators don’t believe impairment was a factor.