The wife of a Maricopa County Sheriff's deputy has died after she was intentionally struck by a driver in a north Phoenix neighborhood Wednesday night.
Police were called to the area of Jomax and Cave Creek roads around 7:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a crash involving pedestrians.
Several witnesses called 911 after seeing a pick-up truck driving around the neighborhood "erratically," a police spokesperson said.
When officers arrived at the scene, the 47-year-old woman was found with extremely critical injuries and her 11-year-old daughter was also taken to the hospital but in less serious condition.
Sgt. Alan Pfohl said in a Thursday morning release that the woman died from her injuries.
According to MCSO, the victim was the wife of Deputy Sergeant Steve Chervenak, who has been with the department since 2007.
"We are saddened by the tragic death of the wife, and injuries to the daughter, of Deputy Sergeant Steve Chervenak," MCSO officials said. "Our oneMCSO team is with Sergeant Chervenak and his family to ensure we provide all possible support during this difficult time."
According to police, witnesses saw the driver hit the woman and her daughter, back up his pick-up truck, hit the woman a second time, then continue driving straight to hit the same victim a third time.
In a Thursday morning release, police said the driver, identified as 45-year-old Trent Ferree, had previously attempted to strike a 48-year-old woman and 53-year-old man who were walking in the neighborhood, but they were able to jump out of the way.
Two people helped detain the man until police officers arrived at the scene.
Authorities say Ferree will be booked on one count of first degree murder and three counts of attempted first degree murder.
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