Wrong-Way Driver Accused In Cop Death Was Drunk, Speeding: Chief

TAMPA, FL — The accused wrong-way driver who police say caused a crash that killed a Tampa police officer was driving at speeds of more than 100 mph while intoxicated, Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan said Thursday.

Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen, 45, was killed Tuesday morning when he veered into the path of a rental car driven by Joshua Montague, 25, of Golden, Colorado, who was driving south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 275.

Dugan, calling Madsen a "true American hero," said the officer was trying to prevent Montague from crashing head-on with northbound drivers on I-275.

During a news conference with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor Thursday, Dugan said Madsen was off duty and on his way home at about 1 a.m. when he spotted the wrong-way driver. Investigators said Montague accessed the interstate from Busch Boulevard.

"By deliberately swerving his patrol car into the other driver's path of travel, we believe Officer Madsen was attempting to stop this wrong-way driver from putting anyone else's life in danger by laying down his own," Dugan said.

According to the accident scene analysis and an eyewitness statement, Madsen was driving at about 65 miles per hour when he took two sharp turns, intentionally veering into Montague's path.

Madsen's patrol car was discovered by responding officers in a ditch off the interstate.

"This whole incident could have been avoided. I truly feel for our officers who were first there and their sense of helplessness," Dugan said. "And, again, when you have alcohol involved, this whole thing could have been avoided."

Dugan said Madsen was the type of officer that other officers wanted backing them up.

"Jesse Madsen, to put it quite bluntly, he was a badass," Dugan said. "If you ever got in trouble, if you ever called 911, if you ever needed a backup, he's the guy you wanted."

Although police are still awaiting the full toxicology results for Montague, who also died in the accident, initial findings show he was intoxicated at the time of the crash. Investigators believe he was at a local bar drinking before the accident. Investigators also found beer bottles in Montague's hotel room.

Montague was in the process of moving to the area and had been in Tampa for less than 12 hours before the crash.

The Police Purple Shield award, given to officers who are severely injured or die in the line of duty, and the Medal of Honor, presented for acts of heroism without regard to personal danger, will be presented to Madsen posthumously. Madsen also will be recognized posthumously with his eighth Life-Saving Award.

Madsen's family, including his wife, two sons ages 16 and 12 and a 10-year-old daughter, will also receive the Gold Cross Award, given to families of LEOs who die in the line of duty. Madsen's wife, Danyelle Madsen, is an officer with the University of South Florida Police Department.

"We will never forget the bravery that Officer Madsen showed that night or the sacrifice he made to protect members of our community. While we are still mourning as a department, our jobs must continue. We will keep fighting to make our roadways safer for anyone traveling in Tampa, and we will do it with an even greater purpose after losing one of our own in such a senseless and avoidable DUI crash," Dugan said.

Castor, the former chief of the Tampa Police Department, said Madsen's actions exemplify the dedication of the men and women who serve the city as police officers.

"We have an incredible law enforcement agency here in the city of Tampa, and the men and women in uniform work tirelessly day and night," Castor said. "As Officer Madsen so tragically displayed, each of them would lay down their lives to protect our community."

Madsen is the 32nd police officer to die in the line of duty for the Tampa Police Department, according to Dugan.

A public candlelight vigil will take place outside the Tampa Police Department Memorial at police headquarters, 411 N. Franklin St., Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Dugan, Castor, members of Madsen's family, city and county leaders and Tampa police officers will attend. The event will be streamed live on the Tampa Police Department's Facebook page.

The funeral, also open to the public, will take place Tuesday, March 16 at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd. in Lutz with visitation at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. The committal service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

The public can leave condolence messages, find additional information on memorial events and funeral arrangements, and make donations to the Madsen family by visiting the Tampa Police Department website and clicking on the Officer Jesse Madsen tribute banner.

See related stories:

• Tampa Police Officer Died Protecting Others: Chief
• Tampa Goes Blue To Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers