OCPD Investigation Reveals Speed, Possible Intoxication That Led To Crash Killing Edmond Police Officer

Oklahoma City police released new details Wednesday from a crash that killed an Edmond police officer on duty.

Wednesday, July 20th 2022, 5:58 pm

By: Jennifer Pierce


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Oklahoma City police released new details Wednesday from a crash that killed an Edmond police officer on duty.

The crash involved five cars including Edmond police Sergeant C.J. Nelson's patrol motorcycle.

Related: Edmond Officer Identified In Deadly Multi-Vehicle Accident

Police arrested 54-year-old Jay Fite on a complaint of second-degree murder.

An officer detailed in court documents that Fite smelled like alcohol, but said Fite denied drinking. Investigators filed for a warrant to get a blood draw from the accused driver.

The horrific crash stopped traffic Tuesday afternoon on the Broadway Extension. News 9 obtained scanner traffic from officers relaying information to 911 dispatchers.

“This is going to be right at the intersection, believe it’s going to be a, possibly one of our police officers. Motorcycle unit,” a dispatcher said.

The 38-year-old sergeant’s patrol motorcycle was wedged between Fite's utility truck and another car. Everyone but Fite was stopped at a red light.

Related: OCPD Arrest Suspect In Deadly Multi-Vehicle Wreck In Edmond

“There were five vehicles involved when we arrived,” Oklahoma City Police Department Master Sergeant Gary Knight said. “There was a car behind the motorcycle, and it appeared that car took evasive action and the motorcycle driver may have been possibly doing the same.”

Nelson was rushed to the hospital with a police escort, but he did not survive.

According to an arrest affidavit, the accused driver told police "he was overworked and very tired" and admitted he was "going too fast and was not able to stop" before the crash.

Fite was taken to a local hospital for a blood draw.

“It’s not unusual to do a blood draw on somebody that’s involved in a fatal crash,” said Knight. “In fact, it’s really quite the norm to do.”

Police said the investigation was far from over. The job weighs heavy on the hearts and minds of everyone involved.

“Our thoughts and prayers certainly go out to the men and women of the Edmond Police Department and the family of the fallen officer,” Knight said.

Fite is currently being held in the Oklahoma County Detention Center without bond.

Police officials said he will likely face multiple charges from the deadly crash. The Oklahoma County District Attorney will formally charge him.

Jennifer Pierce

Jennifer Pierce is the Crimetracker reporter for News 9. She returned to news after a brief break to stay home with her kids and worked as a public relations account manager.

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