A police officer has lost his life after being struck and killed by a hit and run driver that investigators now say was intoxicated at the time of the fatal crash.

Police Officer Lamar Poole Sr., 42, died when his motorcycle collided with a hit-and-run motorist driving a 1999 Toyota Corolla who turned in front of him. The accident happened at Devereaux Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia.

Investigators have arrested the motorist who fled the scene. A tow truck driver witnessed Louis John Vogwill and caught and held Vogwill a few blocks away from the accident until police arrived on the scene.

Police arrested Vogwill who they say had been driving drunk at the time when he struck Poole.

Vogwill is currently being held on $500,000 bail on charges of involuntary manslaughter, homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, DUI, fleeing the scene of an accident and other related offenses.

Officer Poole was off duty at the time and had not been wearing a helmet at the time of the fatal accident. Poole was an 18-year veteran assigned to the 12th District in Southwest Philadelphia.

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