11-17-2008 PA Philadelphia Aramingo&Allegheny -Fatal PD Accident

The accident happened at 10:30 p.m as Sgt. Simpson was responding to a strong arm robbery call in the 3100 block of Aramingo Ave in the Port Richmond section of the City. As this was occuring, another patrol car noticed a 1998 Camero traveling at a high rate of speed and disregarding traffic signals. The officer activated his lights and warning devices to attempt to pull the vehicle over. At the intersection of Aramingo and Allegheny the reckless driver and Officer Simpson collided. Officer Simpson’s vehicle was struck on the rear passenger side, which caused the vehicle to rotate clockwise and smash into the building on the south east corner. The officer was reported to be in trauma code on scene. Fire and EMS units rushed to the scene and transported the officer to the hospital. The other occupants were trapped in the car which struck the officer for an extensive extrication. Fire crews worked to free the trapped occupants. The Officer was transported to Temple Emergency where he was pronounced shortly after. Sgt. Timothy Simpson was a 20 year vet of the Force and made Sgt in the 24th district after his former partner Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski was killed in the Line of Duty on May 3, 2008, after being fatally shot. Sgt. Simpson was the one who placed Sgt. Liczbinski’s handcuffs on the killer who took his partner’s life. Simpson is the 4th Philadelphia Police Officer to die in the Line of Duty this year. Sgt. Simpson leaves behind a wife and 3 daughters, twins at age 15 and an 11 year old. The driver of the Camero is a 41 year old with an extensive history with Law Enforcement dating back to 1986 with 20 prior arrests. Police stated his only reason for being in the City that night was to buy drugs. Police recovered 3 bags of heroin at the hospital from him.

The suspect was taken into police custody from the hospital and charged with simple assault, 3rd degree homicide, DUI, and drug charges. He was on probation at the time of the accident and had a suspended license.



All information was provided during a press release

--Photos NJFG Ted Aurig