SPRINGFIELD, Missouri -- A Greene County Sheriff's deputy is recovering after he was deliberately struck by a suspect during a pursuit on Friday.
Lt. Steve Westbrook, a 24-year veteran of the force, underwent surgery over the weekend after being hit at at State Highway 13 and East 565th Road, according to a news release.
"Westbrook has a lengthy road to recovery, but his first round of surgeries went well last night. He is in good spirits," Greene County Sheriff's officials said in a statement. "The Westbrook family asks for your continued prayers. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office asks for your continued support and prayers for all affected by this tragic situation."
Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott posted a video of himself with Westbrook in the hospital:
The incident began Friday after deputies responded to a residence in the 1200 block of State Highway WW in Springfield, for a domestic disturbance. Deputies remained in the area to try and locate the suspect. The suspect drove back by the victims house and a car stop was attempted. The suspect failed to yield and a pursuit ensued.
Information was provided that the suspect was also possibly wanted for a probation violation. The suspect fled northbound on State Highway 13 into Polk County. Deputies received assistance in the pursuit from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Pleasant Hope Police and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The pursuit continued north to just south of Bolivar. The suspect turned around and proceeded back south bound on SH 13.The suspect continued south to E 565th and SH 13 in Polk County.
At that intersection, Westbrook was stopped and parked off of the roadway in an attempt to deploy stop sticks. In what appeared to be a deliberate act, the suspect veered off of the road and struck the deputy. Deputies immediately took the suspects into custody and began to render aide to the injured deputy.
Westbrook was flown to a local hospital in serious condition.
