Officer Resigns After Fatal Collision in Flagstaff
Flagstaff, AZ – A Flagstaff police officer resigned following a fatal two-vehicle accident on September 20, 2025.
The crash occurred on Butler Avenue near Sinagua Heights Drive, resulting in the death of one male driver, whose identity is withheld pending family requests, according to Sgt. J.L. Rintala of the Flagstaff Police Department.
Officer Jacob Buckwald, who sustained minor injuries, was placed on administrative leave while the Arizona Department of Public Safety conducts an independent investigation. He was released from the hospital the same day of the incident.
This is the second collision involving Buckwald; he was previously in a June 2024 accident triggered by a medical emergency. After that incident, he remained on leave for medical evaluations before returning to light duty in December 2024.
Buckwald received final medical clearance in July 2025, returning to modified patrol duties on August 4 and full patrol duties on August 31. He resigned on September 23, 2025, citing medical reasons. The cause of the September 20 crash remains unknown as of the last report.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.