Man deported after serving time in Phoenix crash

by Associated Press (September 30th, 2011 @ 4:27pm)

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NOGALES, Ariz. - An illegal immigrant convicted in a car crash that severely burned a Phoenix policeman has been deported to his native Mexico after serving his prison sentence.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say 45-year-old Rojelio Gutierrez was released Sept. 12 from the Arizona Department of Corrections in Phoenix and transferred to ICE custody in Florence. An immigration judge ordered Gutierrez removed to Mexico and he was deported Thursday through the port in Nogales.

Authorities say Gutierrez was driving a taxi when he struck Jason Schecterle's police cruiser at more than 90 mph on March 26, 2001. Schecterle's cruiser burst into flames and he suffered severe burns to more than 50 percent of his body.

Gutierrez was convicted of aggravated assault in May 2002 and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

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