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Wichita, KS (April 20, 2026) – Five people were taken to the hospital after a serious crash involving a police vehicle late on Saturday, April 18, at the intersection of Hillside Ave and 1st St in Wichita. The collision occurred just after 10 p.m.
Officer Jayce D. Bennett, 22, was driving a 2020 Ford Explorer southbound on Hillside Ave while responding to an emergency call with lights activated. According to authorities, he failed to safely clear the intersection, ran a red light, and struck an eastbound 2015 Hyundai Sonata driven by Morgan R. Singletary.
The force of the impact caused the police SUV to roll into the northbound lanes and come to rest on the sidewalk. The Hyundai spun several times before coming to a stop in the southbound lanes.
Both drivers were taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Three passengers in the Hyundai, Gabrielle L. Miller, 26, Christina M. Dimattia, 27, both of Wichita, and Lauren A. Wools, 27, of Topeka, were also hospitalized with minor injuries. Authorities noted that Officer Bennett and passenger Dimattia were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
The incident remains under investigation, and more details will be shared as they become available. Our thoughts are with all five people hurt as they continue to recover.
What Kansas Law Says About Emergency Vehicles and Intersection Safety
In Kansas, emergency vehicles responding to active calls are permitted to proceed through red lights, but only after slowing and ensuring the intersection is clear. This rule exists because intersections remain one of the most dangerous points for any vehicle, including those with lights and sirens active. Other drivers are required by law to yield to emergency vehicles, but that does not eliminate the risk of a crash when visibility or timing is poor.
Seat belt use is required for all occupants in Kansas, regardless of whether a person is on duty or in an official vehicle. Studies consistently show that unbelted occupants face a significantly higher risk of serious injury in rollover crashes. When a crash involves a law enforcement vehicle, the review process typically examines both driver conduct and equipment use by all occupants of the vehicle.
