A driver was arrested on DUI-related charges after an early Monday morning crash involving an SUV and a sheriff’s patrol vehicle left a deputy with minor injuries, authorities said.
The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened near Derby while a deputy was helping with traffic control at the scene of an earlier injury crash.
The driver, identified by authorities as 24-year-old Kole Montgomery of Wichita, was treated at a local hospital before being booked into jail.
Deputy Injured During Traffic Control Assignment
According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy was assisting with traffic control at the intersection of 47th Street South and K-15 when the crash occurred.
Authorities said the deputy, identified only as a 26-year-old man, was seated inside a marked patrol vehicle at the time. The patrol vehicle had its emergency lights activated while the deputy was working the scene of a separate crash.
The deputy suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Officials did not release further details about the deputy’s condition, but the injuries were described as minor.
SUV Strikes Patrol Vehicle, Sheriff’s Office Says
Preliminary findings released by the sheriff’s office indicate that a dark blue Ford Escape was traveling northbound on K-15 when it struck the passenger-side rear portion of the marked patrol vehicle.
The crash happened while the patrol vehicle was positioned for traffic control. Authorities did not immediately say how fast the SUV was traveling or whether weather, road conditions or visibility may have contributed to the collision.
A passenger inside Montgomery’s vehicle was not injured, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
Driver Treated Then Booked Into Jail
Officials said Montgomery was taken to a local hospital for treatment following the crash. After receiving medical care, he was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.
The sheriff’s office said Montgomery was booked on charges of driving under the influence and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.
The charges are allegations at this stage, and the case will move through the legal process. Additional details may be released as the investigation continues and prosecutors review the case.
Patrol Vehicle Had Emergency Lights Activated
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the marked patrol vehicle had its emergency lights on when it was struck.
Emergency lights are used to warn drivers of police, fire, medical or traffic-related activity ahead. Drivers are generally expected to slow down, remain alert and move over when approaching emergency vehicles, depending on road conditions and applicable traffic laws.
Officials did not immediately say whether any additional traffic citations or charges could be filed in connection with the crash.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Authorities said the investigation into the crash is continuing. Investigators are expected to review the circumstances leading up to the collision, including the driver’s condition, the SUV’s movement before impact and the location of the patrol vehicle at the time of the crash.
No further injuries were reported beyond the deputy’s minor injuries and the driver’s need for medical treatment before booking.
A Sedgwick County deputy was treated for minor injuries after a patrol vehicle was hit near Derby early Monday morning.
Authorities said the driver, 24-year-old Kole Montgomery of Wichita, was arrested after hospital treatment and booked on DUI and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer charges. The investigation remains ongoing.