A collision involving an Edmonton Police Service officer shut down a section of Whitemud Drive for several hours on Monday.
The crash at 11:40 a.m. happened during a traffic stop in the westbound lanes near the 91 Street overpass in south Edmonton.
Police said it’s believed the officer was walking in front of his unmarked SUV when a cube van truck collided with the parked cruiser, catapulting it forward and into the police officer.
“The EPS cruiser was subsequently thrust forward and collided with the vehicle initially pulled over by the officer,” a news release said.
Visible damage was seen on a white cube van, Ford SUV and red car at the scene.
Police said paramedics treated and transported the EPS member to hospital with minor injuries. An ambulance escorted by several police cruisers was seen leaving the site of the crash.
On Monday night, the president of the Edmonton Police Association tweeted that the officer has been released from hospital and was at home recovering with family.
“Thank you for your kind words of thoughts, prayers and support,” Michael Elliott tweeted. “If anything can be learned, please slow down, be alert and watch for first responders on the roads.”
The westbound lanes of the Whitemud were closed completely, Edmonton police said, with drivers being diverted off at 75 Street.
Motorists were asked to avoid the Whitemud on the southside in order to keep officers in the area safe, as they investigated the crash involving one of its members.
A large emergency response was initially visible at the scene, including police, EMS and firefighters. Later, the major collision investigation unit arrived.
The road reopened around 7 p.m.
The driver of the cube van remained on scene, and police said charges are pending.
Witnesses to the collision were asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
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