San Jose police mourn loss of motorcycle officer killed in traffic collision

By Veronica Rocha

June 15, 2016 7:46 AM PT

The San Jose Police Department is mourning the death of an officer who was killed Tuesday when his motorcycle was struck by a minivan.

Officer Michael Katherman was on duty and riding his motorcycle north on North 10th Street at 4:22 p.m. when a silver minivan traveling south on the same street tried to make a left turn onto Horning Street, according to a police department statement. That’s when Katherman’s motorcycle and the minivan collided.

A witness stopped to help Katherman and used his radio to call for assistance. Katherman was taken to an area hospital and was later pronounced dead.

The minivan driver is cooperating with detectives who are investigating the crash, officials said.

“Today we lost a brother officer,” the department said Tuesday. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michael’s family and friends. Rest in peace Officer Katherman.”

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Katherman, 34, was an 11-year San Jose police veteran who was married with two sons. He loved riding motorcycles and the motor unit, Chief Eddie Garcia said.

“He loved doing his job,” Garcia said at news conference. “He loved his family. It’s tragic. He put a uniform on, left to go to work, wanted to see his family when he got off, and he didn’t make it.”

Officers will be wearing a black slash over their badges in honor of Katherman, officials said.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo expressed sadness over the officer’s death, asking residents to pray for his family and friends.

“Heroes inspire and sustain all of us through their sacrifice,” he said in a statement. “SJPD Officer Mike Katherman performed his noble duty to serve and protect until his last moments.”

Hours after the collision, law enforcement agencies throughout the Bay Area added their tributes.

“We mourn Officer Katherman who made the ultimate sacrifice today in the line of duty,” the California Highway Patrol in Contra Costa County said in a statement. “Rest in peace brother.”

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