Broward Sheriff's motorcycle deputy dies in Pompano crash

POMPANO BEACH— - A Broward Sheriff's deputy died after his motorcycle and a silver Mercedes Benz crashed at the intersection of West McNab Road and North Andrews Avenue around 2:20 p.m. Wednesday.

Deputy Christopher Schaub, 47, was airlifted in a BSO helicopter to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office . He had surgery, but died Wednesday evening.

The woman driving the Mercedes was taken to Broward Health North Medical Center as a precaution because her injuries were not as severe, BSO spokesman Mike Jachles said.

Schaub, a 22-year veteran, was on duty at the time of the crash that happened west of I-95, the agency said.

Hundreds of BSO's motorcycle deputies and officers from other law enforcement agencies gathered at Broward Health Medical Center to keep a vigil there.

"Law enforcement officers are like anyone else. This is someone who they know, who they work with every day, who they love. He's fighting for his life," BSO spokeswoman Dani Moschella said at the hospital. "It's a very emotional day for the Broward Sheriff's Office and for everybody who knows and loves Deputy Schaub."

The intersection reopened to traffic just before 6 p.m. Motorists traveling from all directions were detoured for more than three hours while the investigation continued through the rush hour, Jachles said.

The motorcycle was in pieces, and the hood of the Mercedes was buckled following the collision.

The front end of the car was smashed and the driver's side front tire was flat.

Staff Writer Juan Ortega contributed to this report. Ltrischitta@Tribune.com .