New autopsy results confirm Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Trooper Kelly Sullivan was heavily intoxicated during a fatal motorcycle crash in Peoria in April, according to Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office records. The findings, obtained by archyde.com, mark the first official confirmation of the trooper’s blood alcohol content (BAC) levels following the April 12 accident that killed two people and injured three others.
The crash occurred around 9:45 p.m. on State Route 51, a major corridor in Maricopa County, according to the Arizona State Troopers’ incident report. Sullivan, a 12-year veteran of the AZDPS, was operating a motorcycle when it collided with a minivan, causing the vehicle to overturn. The medical examiner’s report states Sullivan’s BAC was 0.15, exceeding Arizona’s legal limit of 0.08. No other alcohol or drug levels were noted in the toxicology report, which was released on May 10.
The crash remains under investigation by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, which has not yet determined the exact cause of the collision. A spokesperson for the AZDPS confirmed Sullivan was suspended pending the outcome of the probe. “The department takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and is cooperating fully with law enforcement,” the statement said. No charges have been filed against Sullivan as of May 15.
The victim of the crash, 34-year-old David Martinez, was identified by the medical examiner as the minivan’s driver. His family declined to comment, citing emotional distress. The other injured individuals, including two minors, were treated at local hospitals and released. The Arizona Highway Safety Division reported the crash site had no visible speed-limit signs or traffic controls, though the area is known for high-speed accidents.
Sullivan’s career with the AZDPS included roles in traffic enforcement and community outreach. A 2019 internal review of his performance noted no prior disciplinary actions, according to state records. However, the trooper’s union, the Arizona State Troopers Association, has not commented on the incident. “We are aware of the situation and are providing support to the trooper and his family,” a union representative said in a statement.
The case has sparked debate over law enforcement accountability. Local advocacy group Safe Roads Arizona called for stricter BAC thresholds for officers. “When public safety officials break the law, they must face the same consequences as civilians,” said spokesperson Maria Gonzalez. The group cited a 2022 study showing 18% of fatal crashes in Arizona involved impaired drivers, though no data specifically linking officers to such incidents was provided.
Maricopa County officials have not yet addressed the implications of the findings. A spokesperson for the county’s sheriff’s office said investigations are ongoing, with no timeline for conclusions. The AZDPS has not announced plans for disciplinary action, stating only that “the matter is being handled internally.”
The crash has also raised questions about the department’s training protocols. A 2021 internal memo outlined procedures for officers involved in accidents, but it did not specify requirements for BAC testing post-incident. The Arizona Department of Transportation has not commented on whether the crash site will receive additional safety measures.
What comes next? The medical examiner’s office has indicated the toxicology report is complete, but the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has not yet decided whether to pursue criminal charges. The AZDPS is expected to release a formal statement within the next 10 days. Meanwhile, the families of the victims are preparing for a memorial service scheduled for May 25, according to local funeral home records.
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Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office | Arizona Department of Public Safety | Arizona Department of Transportation
