Police Officers Narrowly Escape As Jeep Slams Into Patrol Vehicle

Three LKPD patrol officers narrowly avoided injury Thursday night after a Jeep crashed into a patrol vehicle that had been positioned to block traffic on I-70.

The 20-year-old driver of the Jeep was seriously injured, though his injuries are not considered life-threatening. He was able to communicate with officers immediately after the crash.

Officers had been directing traffic off I-70 at mile marker 202 after a previous semi-truck crash near mile marker 198 had blocked the highway.

The patrol vehicles were already placed with flashing lights to create a detour. Officers were also using flashlights and hand signals while wearing reflective vests to guide traffic.

The crash happened just after 11:30 p.m. One officer had turned away from the oncoming Jeep while retrieving equipment from a trunk and did not see the vehicle approaching. Another officer shouted a warning and ran toward safety, jumping over a concrete median barrier.

The patrol vehicle was struck, spun around, and came to rest just feet from a third officer. The Jeep also hit the barrier and stopped about 10 feet from the initial impact.

Emergency services were called as officers assessed the driver’s condition. He was later transported to a trauma center.

Both vehicles were heavily damaged and removed from the scene. Authorities have not confirmed whether impairment played a role. The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.