LOS ANGELES, CA – A Los Angeles Police vehicle was involved in a crash on October 21st. The two officers and a civilian were injured with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash was reported around 10:30pm in the area of East Vernon and Central Avenue. There were two on duty police officers that were inside the Los Angeles Police Department marked vehicle at the time of the crash.
LAPD Officer Trapped in Wreckage of 2-Car Crash in South LA https://t.co/CRr830HAts
— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) October 22, 2020
One officer was able to escape the crash while the second was trapped inside the vehicle. The Los Angeles Fire Department was able to extract the wounded officer from inside the patrol vehicle.
The person who collided with police, who was not identified, was driving a silver Mazda. That person was also injured and was transported to a local hospital along with the two officers involved.
While it is unclear what caused the crash, or who is at fault, one cannot help but think about the number of police vehicles that have been sabotaged as of late. In New York, their police department has seen their marked police vehicles have their brake lines cut by unknown people.
On October 7th, a New York Police department marked vehicle was involved in a crash in Queens. The officer who was driving the vehicle attempted to stop for a red light, but was unable because the brakes failed to work.
Thankfully, the crash was at a slow speed, but there were what was described as minor injuries from the crash. Officers had the vehicle towed to their fleet maintenance and a mechanic found the brake lines had been cut while doing an inspection of the vehicle.
Unfortunately, officers have no idea when the brake lines were cut…or where. The only thing they can determine is that the cut was made on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Officers will process the vehicle for any forensic evidence, such as DNA or fingerprints, to try to determine who may have caused the damage. They will also review video from the Transit District 20 headquarters to see if someone was captured messing with the vehicle.
Sadly, this is not the first time a New York Police car had been sabotaged since the death of George Floyd while in police custody, in May of this year. In September, officers who were patrolling the Brooklyn area heard a mysterious sound coming from underneath their marked vehicle as they were driving it.
Officers exited the vehicle to inspect it, and discovered a cloth that was wrapped around and axle, and saw brake fluid leaking. Thankfully, in that situation, no one was hurt.
Incidents like these are not only occurring in New York, they are also happening in other areas, like in Baltimore where officers have seen police cars vandalized. In some cases, criminals have even stuffed items in tail pipes, so the vehicles exhaust would enter the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
City Councilman Yitzy Schleifer recently spoke with the local Fox45 in Baltimore about some of the targeted attacks against the police precinct property that have transpired recently:
“People, throwing rocks and bricks through the windows. We had previous incidents where people have filled officers tail pipes, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Just a few weeks ago at the Major’s office window, a brick was thrown through that.”
Over the past two months, there have been four incidents related to targeted vandalism against the precinct, and the vehicles hosted on the property. On October 15th, department officials had confirmed two incidents that occurred just recently.
In August of this year, BPD had made an arrest related to some of the vandalism that has occurred.
During the time of that arrest, Commissioner Michael Harrison released a statement noting that this sort of vandalism will result in consequences for those found to be responsible:
“Acts of aggression and violence against our officers and police property will not be tolerated and those responsible for these acts have been arrested. The men and women of the Baltimore Police Department continue to work hard and make sacrifices to make our city safer.”
But with the recent incidents that have occurred, Councilman Schleifer explained that it’s indicative of a larger problem.
While escorting the local news crew on the grounds of the precinct, Councilman Schleifer showed how easily accessible the precinct grounds are:
“You shouldn’t be able to simply just walk onto the lot… There’s no security on this lot. It’s completely dangerous for the officers.”
Councilman Schleifer hopes, considering recent incidents, that the city puts a priority on either renovating the building for security purposes or simply finding a new precinct location:
“The Commissioner can put this on the top list of stations that need to be rebuilt or relocated or a combination of both. He could do that with capital funds the department has, or the mayor’s office can certainly do that.”
Deputy has been unconscious, in critical condition since five-car crash – department asking for prayers
October 15, 2020
ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, OH — Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy, Corporal Adam McMillian, 43, remains in critical condition following a five-car crash in Anderson Township, about twenty minutes east of Cincinnati, on October 8, 2020.
He’s been unconscious and in the intensive care unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Over the weekend nothing has changed. Dave Daugherty, a Sheriff’s spokesman, said on Monday:
“He’s in a coma still. We are hoping to hear something maybe later this afternoon and put an update out. We are continuing to ask for the community’s prayers and appreciate the community’s support during this difficult time.”
We’re waiting on an update on a deputy’s condition after a crash at Beechmont Avenue & Eight Mile
Road involving a metro bus and other vehicles.The deputy’s injuries are serious and Beechmont remains closed in both directions. pic.twitter.com/mBXTy2cCBl— Kristen Swilley (@KristenSwilley) October 9, 2020
The sheriff’s office said McMillan was going west on Beechmont and entered the intersection with Eight Mile as the bus was attempting to turn left from eastbound Beechmont onto Eight Mile.
A chain reaction occurred.
Once Anderson’s cruiser collided with a SORTA Metro 2009 New Flyer Bus attempting to turn left, the bus struck a 2007 Toyota RAV4 that was stopped in a southbound lane of Eight Mile Road.
BREAKING: METRO BUS & DEPUTY INVOLVED IN SERIOUS CRASH
Hamilton County Sheriff unit involved in accident at Eight Mile and Beechmont avenue in Anderson Township. Sheriff unit & metro bus crashed at the intersection. Serious injuries. Deputy being transported to UCMC. @Local12 pic.twitter.com/uXMLvRs433— Angela Ingram (@NewsLaw1) October 8, 2020
This caused the RAV4 to be pushed backward and hit a 2013 Ford Focus, which was stopped in the left turn lane, as well as a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu that was stopped in a southbound lane of Eight Mile Road. The bus then hit a utility pole.
NEW: The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office confirms five vehicles were involved in tonight’s crash. Corporal McMillan had to be mechanically extricated from his cruiser and remains in critical condition.Witnesses are being asked to call the HCSO Traffic Safety Unit: 513-825-1500.
— Kristen Swilley (@KristenSwilley) October 9, 2020
Matthew Bohan works across the street from where the crash happened. Bohan is currently in nursing school. He said he ran towards the scene, and when he saw the aftermath, his heart sank.
“My first reaction was to run over there to help, but I’m not advanced enough in that to do a heck of a lot. I can’t wait to get into that position where I can actually help and not just be standing there wishing I could.”
The Anderson Township Fire Department had to mechanically extricate him from his cruiser. McMillan was breathing but was unresponsive when first responders transported him to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment for head trauma.
No word on other injuries yet. pic.twitter.com/vDNdby2No2
— Angela Ingram (@NewsLaw1) October 8, 2020
The bus driver suffered minor injuries. A Metro spokeswoman Brandy Jones said the crash occurred on Route 30X. There were no passengers on board at the time. The driver will undergo testing, which is standard in crashes.
Fortunately, none of the other drivers were seriously hurt.
Jones said:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer.”
Sheriff Jim Neil gave an update on Friday afternoon outside of the hospital:
“When the crash occurred, he was unconscious and he’s still unconscious.”
He remained unconscious throughout the weekend, and it’s not clear about his current condition.
Investigators said McMillan was not responding to a call when the crash happened.
He was not responding to a call. No word on his speed or the speed of any other driver involved.
“Adam’s just a really good guy. He goes out and does his job everyday… always gets the job done.”
— Kristen Swilley (@KristenSwilley) October 9, 2020
There was some concern about the other officers and how they were holding up.
“I don’t know how we appear, but our hearts are sad. It’s a tough time.”
Neil said McMillan is a 19-year veteran within the department. He is currently assigned to the Traffic Safety Section, where he investigates crashes and performs a variety of tasks within the department.
Neil said:
“This is the career that he loves to perform, he loves to work in. He is a fourth-generation law enforcement– He loves being a deputy sheriff.”
McMillian is a resident of Anderson Township.
Neil continued:
“We’re praying for him. I want you to know he’s one of the good guys in the Sheriff’s Office – one of the good guys in law enforcement.”
Neil described McMillan as a kind individual, proud to serve his community.
“He has a smile that opens up to his heart. He’s one of those people you remember when you meet, and it all starts with that smile he has.”
The sheriff asks for prayers from the community as his family struggles during a difficult time of uncertainty.
“We are sad in the sheriff’s office that one of our officers was injured in the line of duty. We are praying for his recovery and praying for family.”
The McMillan family released a brief statement which said:
“We do want to thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of support we have received from the public, particularly Adam’s brothers and sisters at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Please continue to pray for Adam during this time.”
Chief Deputy Mark Schoonover said the crash was “very difficult” for McMillan’s co-workers.
“The sheriff’s office is a big family and when one of our deputies gets injured like this, it’s painful for everyone in the agency.”
He continued:
“Adam’s just a really good guy. He goes out and does his job every day – always gets the job done.”
Capt. Rick Neville said McMillan and others involved in the crash Thursday need the community’s prayers.
“I know so often when something tragic happens many talk of how great the individual is. Knowing Adam through the years I can tell you he is genuine, soft-spoken, good-hearted, and not without a sense of humor.”
He added:
“I ask that they say heavy prayers for him and let’s not forget this is a tragic event for another driver. We must be certain to pray for them as well.”
What led up to the crash at one of the area’s busiest intersections remains unclear; the sheriff’s office is still investigating. There is no word yet as to who was at fault.
The sheriff told the public more about McMillan. One of the things he volunteered for was bicycling. He has bicycled hundreds of miles to Washington D.C. with other law enforcement locally and across the nation as part of the annual Police Unity Tour during Police Memorial Week.
Neil said:
“He does me proud serving in a capacity as a sheriff’s corporal and he does his family proud.”
The sheriff said McMillan’s family is rallying behind him. His mother has been in to see him and is the only family member who has been permitted in due to COVID-19 restrictions.
She shared a bit of interesting information on McMillian, such as his love for history. He has a passion for researching World War II and a lot of knowledge of “The Great War.”
Jason Hovekemp is the organizer of the Gofundme Page for McMillan. At the time of this writing, it has already raised $4,171 with 72 donors and followers with 142 shares with a goal is $5,000.
This Go Fund Me page revealed that his recovery could take several weeks to months. Hovekemp stated that he is looking to help ease the financial burden of his medical expenses related to his continued care and recovery.
Fox 19 posted the above post on their Facebook page. It has garnered 226 reactions, 79 comments, and 17 shares. The majority of them were of support to not only him, but his family.
Some comments were:
“Praying for this wonderful soul. Lord, please heal him and the others that were hurt in this accident.”
“Praying that God heals him while he is resting still praying for him and his family stay strong prayers for the Sheriff’s Department 🖤💙🖤💪”
“Praying for him.”
Law Enforcement Today sends our thoughts and prayers to Corporal Adam McMillian and his family, blood and blue.
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