Police Officer Arthur Edward Del Gaudio, Jr., Phoenix Police Department, Arizona

Police Officer Arthur Edward Del Gaudio, Jr.

Phoenix Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Thursday, April 22, 1976

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Arthur Edward Del Gaudio, Jr.

Officer Arthur Del Gaudio was killed while in pursuit of an intoxicated and reckless driver who had been drag racing.

The officer collided with another police car and then careened into the wall of a home at 10th Street and Rose Lane. His death was instrumental in persuading the State Legislature to enact the Unlawful Flight statute.

The driver they were pursuing was charged with driving while intoxicated and reckless driving.

Officer Del Gaudio was a United States Navy Vietnam veteran and served with the Phoenix Police Department for at least a year. He is survived by his wife, who was pregnant with their first child, and his parents.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 1 year
Badge 2964
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Vehicle pursuit
Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
Offender Charged with reckless driving

Impaired Driver, pursuit

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Hello Beth
My name is Steve DIANO, I was Arthur’s Training Officer on the Phx PD and became good friends with him and his family and was there right behind him on that fatal day. He was my best friend and partner and I think of him always. . If you ever read this you can contact me anytime as I would love to talk with you. 602-320-0815

Detective Steve Diano
Phoenix PD

July 16, 2025