Penn Police Officer Killed in Va. Motorcycle Crash

James "Jimmy" Morrison was in Culpeper, Va. for Blue Knights annual rally

A University of Pennsylvania police officer has been killed in a motorcycle crash in Virginia.

James "Jimmy" Morrison was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle along Madison Road in  Culpeper, Va. Thursday afternoon when a Ford pickup truck pulled out in front of him around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Culpeper Police said.

The 47-year-old swerved to avoid the pickup truck and lost control of the motorcycle, rolling several times before being thrown from the bike, police said. He was rushed to Culpeper Regional Hospital and later died.

The Philadelphia resident was riding along with seven other members of the Blue Knights of Pennsylvania, an organization of law enforcement motorcycle enthusiasts, when he crash occurred. The group was in Culpeper for the annual Blue Knights rally. Officials said Morrison was the president of the local chapter.

Morrison was a six-year veteran of the Penn police force and previously spent 13 years as an Philadelphia Housing Authority police officer. He also served in the United States Air Force, according to Penn officials.

"Officer Jimmy Morrison was a model father, husband, Patriot, University of Pennsylvania Police Officer. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends," said Penn Vice President of Public Safety Maureen Rush.

No charges were filed against the 84-year-old driver of the pickup truck, but Culpeper Police said the accident is still under investigation.

Police will escort Morrison's body back to Philadelphia Friday. He is survived by his wife Wendy and a teenage son.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.


Contact Vince Lattanzio at 610.668.5532, vince.lattanzio@nbcuni.com or follow @VinceLattanzio on Twitter.

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