Savannah, Missouri — August 17, 2012
Friday, at around 1:30 p.m., an accident that killed a motorcyclist and injured a police officer took place on U.S. Route 71 just west of Savannah.
Missouri State Highway Patrol officials say that Dalton L. Smith, 19, from St. Joseph, was fleeing police on a 2000 Honda CBR 600 F4 motorcycle when the crash occurred. Police say that Officer Travis L. Williams, 39, from St. Joseph, drove his 2011 Dodge Charger onto the highway in front of Mr. Smith, with his emergency lights flashing.
Mr. Smith was unable to avoid colliding with the rear of the police vehicle, and was thrown from the motorcycle. Mr Smith was taken to Heartland Regional Hospital where he later died. Mr. Williams was taken to Heartland Regional Hospital as well. His current condition is not known.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a total of 142 people were killed in accidents involving emergency vehicles in 2009.
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