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Mother Of Mesa Police Officer Killed In Wrong-Way Crash Sues State

 Brandon Mendoza
(Photo via mesaaz.gov)
Brandon Mendoza

PHOENIX — The mother of a Mesa police officer killed by an impaired driver going the wrong way has sued the state.

Mary Anne Mendoza's civil wrongful-death lawsuit alleges Arizona officials had inadequate procedures in place to prevent wrong-way drivers from entering freeways.

Her 32-year-old son — Mesa police Sgt. Brandon Mendoza — was driving home after finishing his shift when he was killed in the May 12, 2014, crash.

Authorities said the other driver had three times the legal limit of alcohol in his system and also died in the collision near the U.S. 60 interchange.

The Arizona Republic reported the lawsuit seeks unspecified general and special damages.

The Arizona Attorney General's Office represents state agencies in civil matters. Officials with the AG's Office say they can't comment on the case.

Associated Press
The Associated Press is an independent not-for-profit news organization.