A Roanoke Police Officer was seriously hurt in a crash early Sunday morning near Texas Motor Speedway on Highway114 W, near IH35W.
According to the department, people who were attending an event reported speeding motorcyclists nearby to police.
The officer, whom Roanoke Police have not named as of Sunday evening, was on his police motorcycle, trying to stop another motorcycle that fled from the scene he was responding to.
One of those responding officers, on a motorcycle, tried to stop one of the speeding motorcyclists, who fled. That biker and the Roanoke police officer both then crashed into another vehicle.
The Northlake Police Department responded to the crash and is now leading the investigation.
“[Our officers] observed a motorcycle and a van that had collided when the officers approached the scene,” Northlake Police Chief Robert Crawford said. “They observed that it was a police motorcycle from one of our neighboring agencies. Bystanders were on scene trying to render aid. Our officers began rendering aid to the officer as well.”
The Roanoke Police Officer was taken to the hospital and underwent surgery for several broken bones and internal bleeding, according to a spokesperson for the department.
“We are extremely thankful for the tremendous support shown by our community, surrounding law enforcement agencies, first responders, and everyone who has reached out to offer assistance and encouragement,” Sgt. Ryan Otero with the Roanoke Police Department said.
The highway was shut down from midnight for about six hours after, according to Crawford. The fleeing motorcyclist is a 26-year-old from Lawton, OK, and was also taken to the hospital. He is being treated for his injuries and is in police custody pending charges.
“I’ve worked [the] officer [who was hurt] before,” Crawford said. “Roanoke is my first department that I worked at. I just want them to know we’re here for them. All of our officers are praying for the officer and the family as well.”
Roanoke PD said community members who are looking for ways to support the officer and his family can bring notes or any donations directly to the department.
