FLAGSTAFF, AZ – A tragic incident unfolded over the weekend, resulting in the death of a local resident in Flagstaff following a collision involving a police officer. The officer, Jacob Buchwald, has a history of traffic incidents, raising serious questions about his return to patrol duties.
Officer Buchwald, previously involved in a near-fatal crash while on duty last year, is at the center of a federal lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Tommy Richardson on behalf of driver Dustin Royal, argues that the Flagstaff Police Department should have anticipated the recent incident.
On June 28, 2024, Buchwald’s police vehicle collided at high speed with a car stopped at the intersection of Route 66 and Fourth Street. The officer reportedly accelerated to 72 mph before the impact, severely damaging both vehicles.
A press release from the police department attributed the crash to a sudden medical emergency experienced by Buchwald. However, the lawsuit claims the officer was impaired, possibly due to an intoxicating substance or medical condition.
Medical records reveal that Buchwald suffers from frequent seizures, potentially altering his consciousness. His neurologist had previously noted these episodes, which could occur both on and off duty.
Richardson argues that the police department was aware of Buchwald’s condition, stating, “This wasn’t a sudden emergency; it was a foreseeable event that could have been prevented.”
Despite being cleared for non-driving duties in December 2024, Buchwald was placed back on patrol last month. Just weeks later, another collision occurred, resulting in a fatality not far from the previous crash site.
Following the most recent incident, Officer Buchwald resigned, citing medical reasons. The Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash, and the city of Flagstaff has yet to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.