ST. LOUIS — A surveillance camera from Tony’s furniture on West Florissant Road in Dellwood captured images of an early morning crash that hospitalized two North County Police Cooperative officers in the department’s Dellwood precinct.
“I’m thankful that it didn’t turn out way worse than it did,” said Maj. Ron Martin, North County Police Cooperative. “Our officers are still alive, but they’re banged up.”
The surveillance video shows the police vehicle stopped in a center turn lane with its turn signal on. Investigators say the driver of a Dodge Nitro crashed head-on into the police vehicle at approximately 2:30 a.m.
Investigators suspect the driver of the Nitro was intoxicated. Martin stated that officers used a warrant to gather and send a blood sample to a state crime lab. He said officers also discovered a stolen firearm in the Nitro.
One of the officers has been able to leave the hospital. Injuries to both officers included face, neck, back, and leg injuries. All the airbags in the police vehicle were deployed.
“We have had an outpouring of support from the community and local law enforcement checking on the officers and their wellbeing and we certainly appreciate all the calls,” said Martin.
One of those community members expressing hope the officers will fully recover is Abraham Alqam, assistant manager of Tony’s Furniture. He said, “Life is very dear, and I just pray for the best.”
Alqam said he appreciates how often the department’s officers are out on the road, checking on business and deterring crime with their presence.
Martin said the department’s officers, especially those assigned to do patrol work, are on the road frequently.
“Most of that shift, they’re driving around,” he said.
The crash investigation is still ongoing.
