Ashland police officer hit by vehicle while directing traffic
ASHLAND, Mo. (MO.)
An Ashland Police Department officer was hit by a vehicle while directing traffic on Tuesday morning.
Emergency crews responded to S. Henry Clay Boulevard and E. Liberty Lane just before 7:45 a.m., according to public dispatch records.
The Ashland Police Department said the officer was taken to an urgent care clinic for their injuries and released. The police didn't release the name of the officer.
After hitting the officer, officials report the driver of the vehicle stopped and cooperated with the investigation. Police say the driver was not cited, as the intersection is not designed to accommodate a person standing in the middle of it and the driver clearly had no intention of striking the officer.
“This intersection has been a growing problem for our community for a while now,” said Mayor Dorise Slinker in a release. “I’m relieved our officer is back on duty and eager to continue working with the School District and our City Departments to find a permanent solution.”
Police officials say numerous officers have experienced near misses at the intersection while directing traffic. Chief Gabe Edwards had previously expressed concern for officers’ safety and has worked with the Southern Boone County School District to find a solution. City and school officials agreed the traffic control will cease, effective immediately. Officials report police will post an officer at the intersection, call volume permitting, to assist those crossing the street as needed.
"The Southern Boone School District is encouraging parents dropping off students at the primary and elementary schools to allow a little extra time and patience while driving through the intersection," said Christopher Felmlee, Superintendent of Schools in a release. "The school district is continuing to work with the City of Ashland and the Ashland Police Department to determine a long-term solution to the issues with the congested intersection."
This is the second major injury in the past two months to affect the Ashland Police Department. An officer was injured during a domestic call and suffered a full tear of his Achilles, underwent surgery and returned to light duty Monday. He will not return to patrol duty for an estimated 8-12 months. The two injured officers represent 40 percent of the full-time patrol officer staff.
