RIVIERA BEACH, FL — A Riviera Beach police officer was seriously injured Tuesday night after a patrol vehicle crashed along Australian Avenue north of West 13th Street, according to investigators.
The crash occurred around 8:31 p.m. on March 3 in Riviera Beach. Authorities say the officer was driving a marked 2021 Ford Explorer patrol SUV southbound on Australian Avenue in the outside lane while responding to an emergency call with emergency lights and siren activated.
Investigators say the driver failed to reduce speed while approaching a railroad crossing. The patrol vehicle became airborne at the crossing. After the SUV came back into contact with the roadway, the officer lost control of the vehicle.
The SUV left the roadway and drove onto the sidewalk. Investigators say it then struck a streetlight pole, continued into a fence, and made a final impact with a tree located along the fence line.
The officer, identified in the report as Officer J. Daniels, suffered serious injuries in the crash. Authorities say the officer was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach and was listed in stable condition.
The crash remains under investigation.
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