(Greensboro, N.C.) – A Greensboro police officer was killed Saturday night after his cruiser cashed during a pursuit.

Jared William Franks had been with the department for just over two years.

He joined other units in following a robbery suspect in a pursuit that began in the 2700 block of Randleman Road. But when Franks entered the chase, his vehicle struck another police car and was sent careening through a yard and into a house.

The home was occupied at the time, but no one was hurt. Franks died from his injuries. He was just 24.

Chief Wayne Scott said “this department and this community have lost a hero.”

Franks’ death is the first time a Greensboro officer has died in the line of duty in seventeen years.