TAMPA, Fla. – A teen is in critical condition Wednesday after being struck by a Tampa Police patrol car on Busch Boulevard.
At 7:40 pm, a Tampa Police officer was traveling westbound along Busch Boulevard crossing N. 22nd St at the green light when a 13-year-old female bicyclist attempted to cross Busch Blvd southbound, approximately 75 feet west of the crosswalk.
The bicyclist was struck by the police vehicle, knocking her off her bike. The officer, a five-year veteran of the department, immediately stopped and exited her vehicle, radioing for medical response from Tampa Fire Rescue and checking on the injured teen.
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The officer, assisted by additional responding Tampa Police officers, provided first aid until Tampa Fire Rescue responded to transport the teen to a nearby hospital.
The teen is currently listed in critical condition, being treated for a broken leg and a head injury.
The officer, though shaken, was not injured in the crash, investigators say.
“Our thoughts are with the teen cyclist who was injured in this unfortunate incident, and we hope for her full recovery,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “We take all accidents involving our officers seriously. Our officers are dedicated to protecting the safety of everyone who uses Tampa’s roads, whether they are on foot, in a car, or on a bike. This is a distressing reminder that we must continue our efforts, as a community, to ensure that all pedestrians and cyclists travel safely throughout our city.” This remains an active investigation.
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