According to police, a patrol car was traveling south on South Arlington Street while responding to an emergency call on Tarson Terrace. At the same time, a Kia Sorento driven by a 38-year-old woman attempted to turn onto South Arlington Street from East Archwood Avenue.
Officials said the patrol vehicle struck the Kia during the turn. The impact caused the driver of the Kia to be ejected from the vehicle, resulting in a head injury. Her 22-year-old daughter, who was seated in the front passenger seat, suffered facial cuts.
Two officers inside the patrol car were also injured in the crash. Emergency units responded to the scene and transported all injured individuals for medical treatment.
Traffic in the area was temporarily disrupted while crews cleared the intersection and documented the crash. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The incident remains under review by investigators.
Our thoughts are with all those injured as they recover.
Why Crashes Involving Emergency Vehicles Can Be Severe at Intersections
Collisions involving emergency response vehicles often occur at intersections where multiple drivers must react quickly to flashing lights, sirens, and changing traffic conditions. These situations can become more dangerous when turning movements are involved, as visibility and timing may be limited.
T-bone impacts, like those seen in intersection crashes, can produce strong side-force collisions that increase the risk of injury or ejection, especially when seatbelts are not properly used. Emergency vehicles traveling at speed while responding to calls also require additional stopping distance.
Investigators typically review right-of-way rules, signal timing, and vehicle paths to determine how the crash occurred. These findings help clarify contributing factors and improve intersection safety awareness.
