Fatal crash occurred as squad car raced without lights or siren on, NC police say

A now former police officer has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred as she rushed to assist officers at a different crash scene, according to investigators in North Carolina.

Haley Maeurer, 25, did not have her patrol car’s emergency lights activated when the crash occurred, and she was driving double the speed limit, Greensboro Police Department officials said in a June 15 news release.

Maeurer has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and speeding, police said.

She has “voluntarily resigned” from her job as a patrol officer, officials said.

“On May 3 ... at about 2:30 a.m., Maeurer was driving east on East Cone Boulevard and passing through the North O’Henry Boulevard intersection when she collided with another vehicle that was turning left onto North O’Henry Boulevard,” investigators say.

“The patrol car hit the front passenger door on the other vehicle. The passenger in the vehicle that was hit, 35-year-old Xavier T. Crosson of Climax, died from his injuries on May 16. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the hospital and released.”

The High Point Police Department investigated the crash and determined Maeurer was driving 76 mph in a 35 mph zone, “and she did not have her emergency lights or siren activated,” officials said.

“We understand the gravity of this situation and the importance of accountability. Any loss of life is difficult, especially within our community,” Greensboro Police Chief Kamran Afzal said in a news release.

“Our community’s safety is a top priority, and we are committed to ensuring our department directives and extensive officer training reflect that.”

Greensboro is about a 90-mile drive northeast from uptown Charlotte.