Jeep crashes into police cruiser, narrowly missing officers detouring traffic
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Lawrence, KS - A Jeep crashed into a patrol vehicle that was blocking traffic on I-70 Thursday night, narrowly missing three police officers who were detouring traffic.
The 20-year-old driver of the jeep has serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Lawrence Kansas Police Department.
He was communicating with officers on scene immediately after the crash, police said.
Officers were called to direct traffic off I-70 at mile marker 202 after a tractor-trailer crash near mile marker 198. The officers were not in their patrol vehicles, which were already set in place with flashing lights to detour motorists.
The officers were using flashlights and hand signals to direct traffic while wearing reflective vests.
Just after 11:30 p.m., one officer was turned away from the oncoming vehicle while gathering supplies from her trunk and did not see the Jeep heading toward them. Another officer yelled for her to get out of the way as the Jeep crashed into a patrol vehicle.
The patrol vehicle spun around then came to a rest just feet before hitting the third officer, according to police.
Officers called for emergency backup and paramedics while assessing the driver’s injuries. The driver was later transported to an area trauma center.
Both cars were towed from the scene with significant damage. Police do not know if impairment was a factor. The crash investigation is being conducted by the Kansas Highway Patrol.