A veteran Mount Arlington police officer was killed Tuesday afternoon when a reckless driver crashed directly into his police cruiser.

The 29-year-old driver of the vehicle was speeding when he lost control of the vehicle crossing over the median and hitting the police car straight on. The police officer was declared dead at Morristown Medical Center.

A search of the driver’s vehicle discovered a bottle that was used for meth as well as $1,500 in cash. This isn’t the defendant’s first run-in with the law, he has been found guilty of four drug-related charges in the past.

He is being held on $500,000 bail and being charged with vehicular homicide as well as reckless driving and speeding.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.