As the investigation continues into a fatal auto-motorcycle crash involving a Guam Police Department officer, Acting Chief of Police Col. Joseph Carbullido issued a statement Monday saying authorities are "saddened" by the incident.
The collision occurred at around 2 a.m. July 11 on Route 1 near American Grocery in Yigo when a GPD patrol car and motorcycle collided, killing the motorcycle operator.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased motorcycle operator," Carbullido said.
Preliminary information suggests the officer was parked near the entrance of American Grocery when a disturbance call came in, according to a GPD release on July 12.
"Upon hearing of a disturbance call, the officer motored onto the outer northbound lane of Route 1. A motorcycle was also motoring on the same lane at the same time towards the officer and collided with the vehicle," GPD said.
The release does not indicate whether the officer activated the patrol vehicle's emergency lights before pulling onto Route 1. Guam News Network questioned GPD about this after a video shared on social media by an alleged witness suggested the patrol vehicle's lights were not activated at the time of the crash. Officials did not respond directly to the inquiry.
Carbullido said authorities are working to determine what happened.
"We are committed to uncovering the precise circumstances of this tragic incident. We will conduct thorough, objective, and impartial investigations. The facts will dictate the findings and all policies will be applied equally to ensure fairness and accountability," Carbullido said.
The crash investigation is being conducted by GPD's Highway Patrol Division. Carbullido said maintaining the integrity of that investigation is "GPD's absolute highest priority."
The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation's conclusion.
"Once the Guam Highway Patrol Division concludes its investigation, the findings will be forwarded to GPD's Internal Affairs Section. The IAS is also conducting a parallel investigation," Carbullido said.
GPD has met with the Office of the Attorney General on the case, Carbullido said, and the OAG has been provided details of the investigation.
"The OAG will continue to monitor the investigations and track them for progress updates," Carbullido said.
Carbullido asked for the community's patience while investigations remain ongoing.
"The case is still open and we are unable to release any more information at this time," he said.