San Jose Police Officer Killed In Car Crash Is Lauded

SAN JOSE - An outpouring of support has come from near and far for a San Jose police officer killed in a car collision while on the job Tuesday afternoon.

Officer Michael Katherman, 34, was riding a police motorcycle north on North 10th Street around 4:20 p.m., when he was struck by a silver minivan. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.

A man driving the minivan was coming from the opposite direction and tried to make left turn onto Horning Street before the collision, according to police.

A witness stopped to help Katherman and called for help through the officer's police radio, according to police.The minivan driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, police said.

Also on Patch: San Jose Police Officer Dies In Traffic Collision

In a statement today Gov. Jerry Brown said, "Anne and I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers mourning the tragic loss of Officer Katherman, who will be remembered for his brave and dedicated service to the community."

Capitol flags were flown at half-staff in honor of the 34-year-old officer, according to Brown.

"On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Michael Katherman, who lost his life in the line of duty," Attorney General Kamala Harris said in a statement Wednesday.

"I also extend my thoughts to Chief Eddie Garcia and all the brave men and women of the San Jose Police Department. The people of the state of California will always remember the ultimate sacrifice Officer Katherman made in service of his community," Harris said.

Katherman, an 11-year veteran of the force, leaves behind a wife and two children, according to police.

He was part of the department's traffic enforcement unit and on routine patrol when the collision occurred, police said.

In a tweet Wednesday morning San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said, "Officer Mike Katherman performed his noble duty to protect & serve until his final moments. Our prayers go to this family, & the SJPD family."

The U.S. Secret Service, California Highway Patrol, and numerous local agencies have also expressed their condolences via social media.

Santa Clara County board president Dave Cortese has called for all flags at the County Government Center in San Jose to fly at half-staff through Tuesday to honor the fallen officer.

The flags were flown at half-mast Monday in memory of the 49 victims killed in a mass shooting over the weekend at an Orlando, Florida gay nightclub.

The San Jose Police Officers' Association has setup a fund for Katherman's family. 

Donations can be made online at http://www.sjpoa.com/.

Donations can also be made payable to SJPOACF and sent by mail to the union's office at 1151 N. Fourth St., San Jose, CA 95112. 

Anyone with information on the collision is asked to call police Detective Kelvin Pham at (408) 277-4654. 

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-7867.

-Bay City News, image via San Jose police