On February 19th, 1952, Motorcycle Officer Walter Stewart was killed when a truck turned in front of his police motorcycle and he swerved to avoid a collision. The motorcycle overturned and Officer Stewart died of head injuries. The driver fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with negligent homicide. Soon after this accident, all Phoenix motorcycle officers were required to wear helmets while on duty. Officer Stewart was thirty years old at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife and two young children.
