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SALT LAKE CITY — Two Salt Lake police officers were treated at a local hospital Wednesday after colliding with each other while responding to a call.
About 5:30 a.m., police were investigating a car prowl suspect, said Salt Lake Police Sgt. Brandon Shearer. An officer pulled over a suspect at Smith's, 876 E. 800 South, and called for backup.
Two officers, one traveling south on 700 East, the other traveling east on 800 South — both with lights and sirens on — crashed into each other at the intersection of the two roads, according to Shearer. One patrol car's front end hit the rear panel of the other, causing that car to spin into a nearby fence.
Both officers were taken to a local hospital to be checked for minor injuries. A male officer was taken in fair condition. A female officer was transported in serious condition and was later upgraded. Both were later released from the hospital.
The Utah Highway Patrol was assigned to investigate the crash. UHP Sgt. Todd Royce said investigators determined the eastbound vehicle had a red light and the southbound patrol car had a green light.
Although there are laws that allow emergency vehicles with active lights and siren to run red lights, Royce said it doesn't give them an "all access pass to break the law."
UPDATE: @slcpd says 2 officers headed to a call w/lights & sirens, one officer possibly ran red light and collided. pic.twitter.com/RreXg7AwW2
— Shara Park (@KSLSharaPark) August 31, 2016
No citations were issued Wednesday. The case will eventually be turned over to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office to review for potential charges.
