Police: Navajo Nation police officer kills a bicyclist while drunk

WINDOW ROCK

Glendale Police have arrested Navajo Nation police officer Kevin Hevel, 30, of Jeddito, Arizona, on suspicion of manslaughter, felony endangerment, driving under the influence and failure to stay at the scene of an accident causing death.

Officers in the Phoenix suburb responded early Friday morning to a report of an impaired driver of a red SUV. Police said the SUV was driving erratically and running into curbs.

Police said Hevel hit an SUV that was driving in the same direction.

Hevel did not stop and continued eastbound, striking bicyclist Peter Rankin, 61, according to Glendale Police. Rankin was riding his bicycle in the opposite direction. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

After striking the bicyclist, Hevel did not stop and ran a red light, striking a police vehicle, according to police. The police officer was not seriously injured.

Police eventually stopped and detained Hevel. He was transported to a Glendale hospital. He was not seriously injured. An investigation to determine if Hevel was driving under the influence was started. Police obtained enough information during their investigation and had enough for a probable cause to arrest the 10-year police veteran.

Navajo Nation Police Chief Phillip Francisco said Hevel was with the Window Rock Police District. The chief added his officer was a good officer and gave no indication he had an alcohol problem.

Francisco said Hevel’s arrest for allegedly killing a person while reportedly driving under the influence troubled him deeply.

The chief offered his condolences and apologies to the victims.

Hevel remains in custody while police continue with their investigation.

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