NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A Nashville police officer was killed when he was struck by a motor home on Interstate 65 on Saturday, officials said.
Officer Michael Petrina was directing traffic on the interstate after a vehicle overturned Saturday morning near Brentwood, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said.
The officer and a Tennessee Department of Transportation Help Truck operator positioned their vehicles in the two right lanes of the four-lane interstate, blocking the lanes as the crash scene was being cleared.
Police spokesman Don Aaron said the driver of a motor home, identified as 71-year-old Dean Joseph Diver of Key Largo, Florida, tried to drive between Petrina’s police car and the Help Truck. The Help Truck operator saw the oncoming motor home, yelled at the officer and ran out of the way.
Petrina was unable to evade the motor home and he was hit. He was thrown underneath the motor home’s trailer and died at the scene.
No charges have been filed. An investigation is underway.
The last Nashville officer who died in a vehicle-related accident was Christy Dedman on July 19, 2004. An award was created in her name for graduating cadets who showed energy and enthusiasm.
Petrina won that award when he graduated last September. He is from the Memphis suburb of Germantown.
Police Chief Steve Anderson said Petrina impressed his academy class with his great attitude, motivation and drive.
“This is a very sad day for this police department and our city,” Anderson said.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.