Radio Link to Officer’s Death?

The death of a Rio Rancho (NM) motorcycle officer thist week in President Bush’s motorcade may have a radio communications cause, officials say. The electronic interface between the radio systems of Rio Rancho and the Secret Service failed for some reason just before Off. Germaine Casey crashed into a tree, preventing him from hearing instructions for motor officers not to pass the motorcade. Four agencies were providing protection to the President during his visit to the city, including Albuquerque PD, the sheriff’s office and the state police. According to logging tapes, an APD officer radioed, “A State Police officer is coming up. I don’t think he is on this (frequency).” Seconds later, Casey crashed. Officials say they are examining all aspects of the accident for a cause.