Off-Duty Motorcycle Officers Struck While Assisting Colleague on Southern Boulevard

Palm Beach County lost two veteran motorcycle deputies Thursday morning in what Sheriff Ric Bradshaw called a “horrific crash” on Southern Boulevard. Cpl. Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller died after a driver struck them while they assisted a colleague with motorcycle troubles. Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz underwent surgery and remains in critical but stable condition. The incident occurred while the officers stood in a grassy area off the road, where they had moved to await assistance.

5 Key Points

  • Cpl. Luis Paez served as a motor deputy for over two decades, joining the force in 1988.
  • Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller served in the motor unit for more than 18 years.
  • The female driver suffered minor injuries and showed no signs of impairment.
  • Florida Highway Patrol joins the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in investigating the crash.
  • The deputies recently participated in Donald Trump’s election night police escort in West Palm Beach.

Veteran Deputies Struck While Providing Roadside Assistance

The chain of events began Thursday morning when one deputy experienced trouble starting his motorcycle during traffic enforcement operations on Southern Boulevard. Two fellow deputies responded to help move the disabled bike to safety. Sheriff Bradshaw detailed how a female driver, attempting to pass a vehicle in the center lane, “overcompensated” and struck all three deputies who waited in a grassy area off the road. “All three went airborne in different directions,” Bradshaw stated during a Thursday afternoon press briefing. Emergency responders transported the officers to a local hospital, where medical staff pronounced Paez and Waller dead.

Joint Law Enforcement Investigation Underway

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office launched a joint investigation with the Florida Highway Patrol to determine the exact circumstances of the crash. Preliminary findings indicate the female driver showed no signs of impairment, though investigators have not yet determined her speed at the time of impact. No criminal charges have been filed. The driver sustained minor injuries in the collision. Law enforcement continues to gather evidence and witness statements to complete their investigation.

South Florida Law Enforcement Honors Fallen Deputies

Law enforcement officers across South Florida honored their fallen colleagues with a procession from the hospital to the county medical examiner’s office. Florida Senator Rick Scott spoke with Sheriff Bradshaw. He released a statement on X: “Our brave men and women in uniform willingly put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, but devastating news like this never ceases to catch us off guard.” Sheriff Bradshaw reflected on the loss, stating, “When a deputy dies, a piece of the community dies with them.” The incident particularly resonated within the department as the deputies had recently served in Donald Trump’s police escort during election night at his West Palm Beach campaign headquarters.

Deputy Diaz Fights for Recovery After Surgery

Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, a member of the motor unit for more than 10 years since joining the office in 2004, remains under medical care after undergoing surgery. “Hopefully he’s going to make it,” Sheriff Bradshaw said, acknowledging the severity of the crash—medical staff reported Diaz’s condition as critical but stable. The hospital has not released specific details about his injuries or long-term prognosis.