Cedar City Police officer’s patrol vehicle struck by another car at downtown intersection

Written by Jeff Richards
August 23, 2024

CEDAR CITY — A driver collided with a Cedar City Police officer’s patrol vehicle at a downtown intersection on Thursday evening, officials said.

A Subaru Forester and a Cedar City Police patrol vehicle collided at the intersection of 200 North and Main Street, Cedar City, Utah, Aug. 22, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

The incident, which occurred shortly after 7 p.m., involved a green Subaru Forester and the Cedar City Police vehicle, a black Ford pickup truck.

According to reports, the officer had been heading east on 200 North, responding to a nearby disturbance call. As he drove through the intersection at Main Street, reportedly with his lights and sirens activated, his truck was struck on its passenger side by the northbound Subaru.

Only minor injuries were reported. Gold Cross Ambulance personnel evaluated the officer but did not transport him. He and the other driver, a man, remained at the scene and did not appear to show any outward signs of injury.

Iron County Sheriff’s deputies took the lead in investigating the crash and handling traffic control.

Later that evening, Cedar City Assistant Police Chief Jimmy Roden told Cedar City News via text, “The only statement the city is making is that shortly after 7 p.m. at 200 North and Main Street, one of our officers was involved in a crash. He suffered what are believed to be minor injuries that he’s being treated for. The county is going to investigate the case.”

Cedar City Fire Chief Mike Phillips sweeps up debris while Iron County Sheriff’s deputies investigate the scene of a collision between a Subaru Forester and a Cedar City Police patrol vehicle at the intersection of 200 North and Main Street, Cedar City, Utah, Aug. 22, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

Iron County Sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Humphries said on Friday morning that he still hadn’t seen the accident report but confirmed the basic details.

Humphries said he wasn’t aware of any citations being issued.

“Seldom would we ever cite somebody in that situation,” he said. “We have an obligation in an emergency vehicle to ensure it’s clear. When we’re clearing an intersection, we’re asking for the right of way. It’s not implied that we have the right of way until we know it’s clear.”

Nevertheless, the incident is still under investigation, he added. 

Both vehicles sustained significant damage and were later towed from the scene. 

In addition to multiple Cedar City Police officers and Iron County Sheriff’s deputies, personnel from Cedar City Fire Department also responded to the incident.

This report is based on preliminary statements from law enforcement officials and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime journalist and secondary school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have three young grandsons and one granddaughter. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading, and taking pictures.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @stgnews@moabjeff@stgnewssports

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