Peoria Officer Jason Judd dies after motorcycle crash at Liberty High School

PEORIA, AZ — A Peoria police officer has died Wednesday after a crash at a high school near 91st Avenue and Deer Valley Road.

Officer Jason Judd, a 21-year veteran of the department, was involved in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident at Liberty High School, located near 91st Avenue and Deer Valley Road.

Authorities say his motorcycle gave out under him after giving a demonstration to young people at Liberty High School. Officials say the accident happened after the students went inside so they did not witness what happened.

Peoria police say Officer Judd, 52, had been a motorcycle officer for 17 years and was responsible for training other officers.

“Jason was one of our finest of the finest. He was a husband, a father, a friend and just a great cop. He was an Air Force veteran and loves to serve the public of Peoria," said Chief Art Miller.

"We had been hosting a youth program camp that we do every year. Officer Judd was one of the officers there today performing a demonstration. So a demonstration occurred for these kids, they went back inside, Officer Judd was leaving at the time -- we're not really sure what happened -- the motorcycle came out from under him and he crashed at that point he was injured."“Not only is he in our traffic unit, he is an instructor. He teaches people how to become police motor officers. There’s so much about him—that’s where we want to know what—because he’s amazing at what he does. He’s an amazing motorcycle rider. It’s very...it’s tough," said Officer Brandon Sheffert

Authorities say Glendale police are handling the investigation.

A public viewing will be held Monday, July 13, at Hansen Mortuary (8314 N. 7th Street) in Phoenix, followed by his funeral on Tuesday.

If you would like to help Officer Judd's family, you can donate here.