WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Traffic delays are to be expected following a motorcycle accident involving a police officer in West Miami-Dade.
7SkyForce hovered over the scene along the 5300 block of Northwest 36th Street, at around 7 a.m., Thursday.
A police motorcycle could be seen damaged in the roadway after colliding with an SUV at the intersection.
Officials said the 15-year veteran officer was on his way to a monthly service training in the area when an SUV was making a turn in which the officer collided into the vehicle.
Video provided to 7News by Only in Dade shows the moments leading to the collision. The SUV is seen making a left turn right before the officer crashes into the vehicle.
“Unfortunately, that vehicle turned right into the path of the motorman, which caused the accident,” said Miami-Dade Police detective Argemis Colome. “What I know so far is that the other vehicle did violate the right of way, which left no choice for the motorman to make any maneuvers, and he crashed right into that vehicle.”
Rescue crews could be seen putting the officer into an ambulance for transport to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
“This is gonna be a long road ahead, of recovery,” said Colome. “Yes, he’s an officer and a guardian of the community, but this could have been anybody.”
The other driver stayed on the scene and cooperated with police.
Police shut down 36th Street from 53rd Avenue to the 112 Expressway. Eastbound traffic on the 112 Expressway from Le Jeune Road to Interstate 95 was also blocked to escort the officer to JMH.
All roadways have since reopened.
Several officers could be seen gathered outside the hospital as their fellow officer went into surgery for several injuries.
“He’s a really super nice guy,” said Juan Acevedo, a friend of the victim. “As a motorman, you put yourself on the line even more, because as soon as you sit on that motorcycle, you’re in danger all the time.”
Acevedo said the officer who was hit is part of his Harley riders group and is a good friend.
“This goes to show how difficult and how dangerous police work can be. Every morning, officers say goodbye to their families, and they don’t know if they’re going to return home that day,” Colome said. “The only thing that the doctors were able to tell us is that it’s going to be a long recovery for him, so injuries are extensive, so again, please pray for this officer and his family during this difficult time.”
Police said the officer suffered several injuries and is in critical condition, but he is expected to be OK.
Officers told 7News the crash is still under investigation, and at this time, it remains unknown what charges the driver will face.
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