Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Shon Latty's patrol car caught fire after colliding with another vehicle Saturday.
A Polk County, Ore. Sheriff's deputy had to be rescued from a fiery wreck Saturday afternoon.
Deputy Shon Latty was responding to assist an Independence police officer who was in a struggle with a suspect when his cruiser collided with another vehicle while approaching Godsey Road while traveling on Monmouth Cutoff Road shortly after noon.
The patrol car landed in a ditch before catching fire. Another Polk County deputy and two officers from the Dallas Police Department arrived on scene and pulled Latty out of the burning vehicle.
The deputy transported by ambulance to the Salem Emergency Room. He sustained a broken arm and shoulder during the crash and is expected to make a full recovery.
The other vehicle involved in the crash was occupied by two people. The passenger was not injured, but the driver was transported to the West Valley Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and was soon released.
The Oregon State Police is currently investigating the crash.
Paul Peluso is the Managing Editor of OFFICER Magazine and has been with the Officer Media Group since 2006. He began as an Associate Editor, writing and editing content for Officer.com. Previously, Paul worked as a reporter for several newspapers in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD.
