Death of officer struck by driver under investigation

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office is investigating the death Wednesday of a Milwaukee police officer who was struck by a driver in 2017, officials at the office confirmed.

Officer Mark Lentz, 56, a motorcycle officer, was intentionally struck while attempting to stop a speeding motorist Aug. 3, 2017, in the 400 block of North 27th Street, the Milwaukee Police Department said in May when he was awarded the department's Purple Valor Star Award.

According to the program for the department's 2019 Merit Awards ceremony, the incident resulted from a coordinated plan between the striking driver and the driver Lentz was attempting to stop, police said.

Lentz began to show signs of traumatic brain injury and nerve damage, lost the ability to speak and suffered substantial memory loss, police said.

"The Milwaukee Police Department sends prayers and condolences to the Lentz family during this difficult time," police said in a statement Wednesday.

Milwaukee police did not immediately respond Wednesday afternoon to a request for additional information, including whether anyone was charged in connection with the incident.