A Tampa Police Officer was killed in a crash on I-275 after colliding with a wrong-way driver at around 1AM.

Authorities say 45-year-old Police Officer Jesse Madsen was killed.  He was a 16-year member of the department and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan said a call was received before 1AM about a white car swerving between lanes and speeding south in the northbound lanes of I-275. A minute later, police received a call that a Tampa Police car had collided with a white vehicle.

Chief Dugan described Officer Madsen as “highly-decorated” and a seven-time recipient of the Tampa Police Department’s Life Saving Award. “We have reason to believe that he veered into this oncoming car to protect others,” Chief Dugan said.  “When you look at someone who has seven Life-Saving Awards, it’s no surprise.”

Officer Jesse Madsen is survived by a wife, 10-year-old daughter, and two sons, ages 12 and 16.

Chief Dugan identified the wrong-way driver as 25-year-old Joshua Montague, who also died in the crash.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Madsen’s family, department, and community.

This piece was written by Ray Dietrich on March 9, 2021. It originally appeared in RedVoiceMedia.com and is used by permission.

Read more at RedVoiceMedia.com:
US Marine, Former JAG Commander, Attorney General Candidate: Biden is “Not the Elected President”
After 13 Killed In SUV Crash Near Border, 19 People Found After Second SUV Erupts In Flames
(VIDEOS) Demon Pelosi Flag in NYC Waved by Trump Supporters, ANTIFA & BLM Attack

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Truth Media Group. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.