LEXINGTON, Ky. (WHAS11) – The LMPD officer killed in an early morning crash in Lexington has been identified as Detective Jason Schweitzer.
Around 2:30 a.m. Saturday Lexington Police responded to a crash involving a car and two pedestrians.
Both pedestrians were killed in the collision. The identity of the second victim has not been released.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, but Lexington police say Suzanne Whitlow, 26, lost control of her vehicle for unknown reasons before striking both victims.
Whitlow suffered minor injuries and is charged with two counts of second degree manslaughter and one count of first degree DUI. She has been booked into the Fayette County Detention Center but is currently hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the crash, according to police officials.
Schweitzer began his career with the Jefferson County Police Department in 2001 and was recently serving as a Detective in the LMPD's 6th Division, according to LMPD. Schweitzer also served as Vice President of the River City FOP Lodge 641 since 2010.
Mayor Greg Fischer made the following statement on Twitter:
Our community mourns the death of Det. Jason Schweitzer, who served, protected our city and its citizens as an officer in the 6th division.
— Mayor Greg Fischer (@louisvillemayor) October 29, 2016
Kentucky State Police released the following statement:
"Our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters at Louisville Metro Police Department in the tragic loss of Detective Jason Schweitzer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and also the family of the other innocent victim who was killed."
Governor Matt Bevin released the following statement:
"It is with great sadness that we learned of the tragic death of LMPD officer, Jason Schweitzer. I had an opportunity to meet with Jason a few months ago. He was part of multi-generational family of law enforcement officers and his presence on the force and in his community will be greatly missed.
We are heartbroken for his wife and children, both born and unborn, at the news of this devastating loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family both now and in the months and years ahead."
Statement from FOP President Dave Mutchler:
The members of River City FOP Lodge 614 are shocked and devastated by the unexpected and tragic loss of our brother Jason Schweitzer. Jason was a dedicated police officer and detective for the past fifteen years and served as the Vice President of RCFOP Lodge 614 for the past seven years. He was very passionate about representing members as an executive board member of the FOP, but nothing was more important to Jason than his family. He leaves behind a wife, who is expecting their second child, a young daughter, and many other family members. We mourn this senseless loss of life and continue to grieve with our brother and sister officers from around the state and the nation. We humbly ask that everyone would keep Jason’s family in your thoughts and prayers and respect their wishes for privacy during this very difficult time.
Statement from Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Detective Jason Schweitzer. #LMPD
Officials are investigation the cause of the crash.
