Sgt. Leo Becenti, a 23-year veteran of Arizona Department of Public Safety, has died as a result of injuries sustained when he was struck by a vehicle while off duty in Kingman last night, March 9, 2022.
Sgt. Becenti, age 54, responded to a disturbance Wednesday night and got into an altercation with a man. Sgt. Becenti fell into the street during the course of the altercation and was hit by an oncoming car.
Sgt. Becenti was transported to a Kingman hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), Sgt. Becenti began his career as a state trooper in May of 1998. At the time of his death, Sgt. Becenti was assigned to the Northern Patrol Bureau in District 1 – Kingman.
Sgt. Becenti is survived by his wife, two sons, daughter-in-law and granddaughter.
Navajo Nation Vice-President Myron Lizer and his wife offered their condolences to the Department and the family of Sgt. Becenti.
(1/3) A heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Sergeant Leo Becenti Jr., as Second Lady and I join the State of Arizona in prayer for the loss of this tremendous person. pic.twitter.com/mlo2dIM7CE
— Myron Lizer (@NN_MyronLizer) March 11, 2022
It is with tremendous sadness that AZDPS announces the death of Sergeant Leo Becenti Jr., #5405.
Sgt. Becenti, a 23-year veteran of AZDPS, died as a result of injuries sustained when he was struck by a vehicle while off duty in Kingman last night, March 9, 2022.
— Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) March 10, 2022