FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — An officer was seriously injured in a crash that closed down a road in Fairfax County Friday afternoon.
The collision happened near the area of Braddock Road and Roanoke River Road. The roads were closed after the incident, but have since reopened.
The officer involved in the crash was taken to an area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Lt. Daniel Spital said the officer was conscious and alert when they arrived at the hospital, and that they're praying for a swift recovery.
"We're lucky it wasn't more serious than it could have been," Spital said.
Just after 12:30 p.m., officers on two police motorcycles were heading west on Braddock Road, near the George Mason University campus. Spital said the officers were responding to a call and had lights and sirens on.
Due to stopped traffic ahead, the officers, in the right lane of travel, proceeded through the intersection of Braddock Road and Roanoke River Road.
Police say a 19-year-old man driving a 2015 Jeep Cherokee did not see or hear the officers approach. He made a right turn from Roanoke River Road and entered the middle lane of westbound Braddock Road. This is when he finally hear the sirens and saw police lights in his rearview mirror. He quickly merged in the right lane and began braking, with the intention of letting the officers pass.
At this time, one officer could not avoid striking the rear of the Jeep as it changed lanes in front of him.
The other officers were able to stop without getting involved in the crash.
The driver of the Jeep was not injured and remained on scene.
Police say speed and alcohol are not factors in this crash.
The injured officer was evaluated overnight and has since been released from the hospital.
"It's never easy when an officer is injured," Spital said. "Our motor officers normally ride at least in pairs – sometimes you'll see motor officers in larger groups. Our motor officers – they do have partners. So certainly, it's not just the motor officer that was injured, but the other officers from the squad are certainly shaken up by this incident."
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