Suspect arrested in crash that killed retired ASU policeman

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — A suspect has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a retired Arizona State University police officer last week, authorities said.

Tempe police said 35-year-old Jeron Meeks was taken into custody Tuesday and remains jailed on suspicion of multiple charges including manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death, drug possession and criminal trespass.

It was unclear Wednesday if Meeks has a lawyer who can speak on his behalf.

Court documents state that Meeks was driving a van Dec. 10 near ASU’s main campus in Tempe when the vehicle crossed into a bike lane, then into a parking lane, struck a curb and drove up onto the sidewalk where retired Sgt. Albert Phillips was struck.

Witnesses told police that Meeks drove his van back onto the road with a shattered windshield and flat back tire, but soon abandoned the vehicle. He was later arrested at a hotel.

Police said Phillips was rushed to a hospital, but later died from his injuries. Phillips worked 27 years with the campus police department, according to ASU officials.