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  Original Article


Feb 14, 3:09 AM EST

Tohono O'odham police department ranger killed in auto accident

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- A Tohono O'odham Police Department ranger has been killed in a car accident on his way to work in Sells, authorities said.

Jerome L. Lewis, 34, died Monday after his pickup truck collided with a bus from the Altar Valley School District, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Investigators said Lewis' truck hit the bus head-on as it came into his lane.

No citations were issued, authorities said.

Altar Valley Superintendent Douglas Roe said the driver has been placed on paid leave while the accident is investigated.

Lewis had been with the Tohono O'odham Police Department for more than two years and before that worked for the Tohono O'odham Corrections Department.

Rangers are not commissioned officers, but protect and patrol the Tohono O'odham Nation.