A Roanoke police officer is recovering after suffering serious injuries early Sunday morning when a high-speed pursuit ended in a violent multi-vehicle crash near Texas Motor Speedway along Highway 114 West near Interstate 35W.
The incident began after attendees at a nearby event flagged down officers to report a group of motorcyclists speeding in the area. A Roanoke officer on a police motorcycle attempted to stop one of the fleeing riders when both the suspect and the officer collided with another vehicle.
Northlake Police Chief Robert Crawford said his officers arrived to find a motorcycle and a van that had collided at the scene. Crawford confirmed that bystanders were already attempting to render aid to the downed officer before police arrived and took over emergency assistance.
The injured officer whose name has not been publicly released sustained multiple broken bones and internal bleeding. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he underwent surgery. His current condition has not been officially updated as of Sunday evening.
The suspect identified as a 26-year-old man from Lawton Oklahoma was also hospitalized with injuries. He remains in police custody and is expected to face charges related to the pursuit and crash.
Highway 114 was shut down for approximately six hours beginning around midnight as investigators processed the scene. The Northlake Police Department is leading the investigation into the crash.
Chief Crawford expressed personal solidarity with the injured officer and the Roanoke department noting that Roanoke was his own first assignment in law enforcement. He said all Northlake officers are praying for the officer and his family during his recovery.
Roanoke Police Sergeant Ryan Otero released a statement expressing gratitude toward the community and surrounding law enforcement agencies for their outpouring of support. The department is encouraging residents who wish to help to bring notes or donations directly to the Roanoke Police Department.