Cruiser Catches Fire with St. Louis Police Officer Inside after Chase Crash
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A St. Louis police officer was seriously injured Thursday after a violent collision with another vehicle while pursuing a stolen car.
The crash happened at about 1 p.m. when a veteran police detective responded to a call for assistance with an arrest involving a stolen vehicle, KDSK-TV reports. When the officer reached an intersection, he was struck by another vehicle.
The officer's cruiser caught fire after the crash, and he was trapped inside. Once freed from the wreckage, the officer was taken to the hospital in serious condition, and he suffered wrist and leg injuries, including a possible broken femur.
"It's worth noting that the officer was transported in a police vehicle to the hospital, which no doubt helped in making sure that he got treatment as quickly as possible," said Mitch McCoy, a department spokesman. "He's probably going to have to have surgery. It's a pretty serious leg injury. But overall, he should be OK."
The driver in the other vehicle also was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover. Police were able to catch up with the stolen vehicle, and two suspects were arrested.
“(The officer) was making sure dangerous people were off the streets and held accountable,” said McCoy. “And we have no doubt that the criminal justice system will make sure they're held accountable for their actions.”
