Edwardsville Officer Injured After Collision with Semi-Truck
On a chilly evening in Edwardsville, a routine traffic stop turned into a startling incident when a semi-truck side-swiped a patrol vehicle on the interstate. This unexpected event unfolded on Friday, November 22, around 6:10 p.m. on I-435, just south of the Kansas Speedway.
The Scene of the Incident
According to authorities from the Kansas Highway Patrol, emergency services rushed to the southbound lanes of I-435 at Kansas Avenue after the crash was reported. Upon arrival, first responders discovered a 2022 International semi-truck that had been operated by Richard D. Gould, a 56-year-old driver from Riverside, Missouri. It appears that Mr. Gould was traveling in the second lane when the unfortunate incident occurred.
What Happened?
As traffic began to bunch up due to the ongoing traffic stop, which was being handled by Officer Kyle McCullough in his brand-new 2023 Dodge Durango, drivers were squeezing into the first two lanes. Officer McCullough had his emergency lights flashing, indicating the need for caution. However, it seems Mr. Gould misjudged the situation as he merged into the third lane that was partially obstructed by McCullough’s vehicle.
Before anyone could react, the semi-truck side-swiped the patrol vehicle, resulting in a jarring collision. Thankfully, Officer McCullough was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, which likely helped to prevent more serious injuries. Despite this precaution, he was taken to Overland Park Regional Medical Center for evaluation, as authorities indicated he might have sustained an injury.
No Injuries for the Truck Driver
In a fortunately less serious turn of events, Gould, who was also buckled up during the incident, walked away uninjured. It’s always a relief to hear that no one was seriously hurt, but it does serve as a reminder of how important it is to stay vigilant while driving, especially in areas where officers are carrying out their duties.
The Aftermath
As of now, further details regarding the incident remain scarce. Authorities are conducting their investigation, and more updates are expected to be released soon. However, it’s clear that this situation could have been a lot worse. Traffic stops are already precarious enough without the risk of oncoming traffic being side-swiped by larger vehicles.
General Safety Reminder
For drivers on the road, this serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of being attentive and cautious, particularly in areas where emergency responders are present. The flashing lights of a police vehicle are a signal that something is happening, and taking extra care can keep everyone involved safe.
It’s easy to sometimes get lost in our own thoughts when driving, but let’s not forget that safety should always come first. Keep your eyes on the road and your mind on driving safe, because every moment counts!
As the Edwardsville community rallies around Officer McCullough, the hope is for a speedy recovery and a safe return to his important work on the force. Here’s wishing him the best in his recovery and for a future with fewer incidents like this one!
