Officer hospitalized after highway crash

A Roanoke police officer and a fleeing motorcyclist collided with a Ford Transit van on Highway 114 in Northlake early Sunday. Both riders were hospitalized while the van's occupants escaped injury.

Pursuit triggered the collision

Officers were dispatched at midnight to Highway 114 near Interstate 35 W. The Roanoke police motorcycle was pursuing a 2021 Yamaha when both bikes struck the van about 100 yards apart.

Van occupants unharmed

The Ford Transit van was heavily damaged in the crash, but its driver and passengers were uninjured and released at the scene.

Suspect from Oklahoma arrested

The fleeing motorcyclist was a 26-year-old male from Lawton, Oklahoma. He was hospitalized for treatment, and the specific offense that prompted the pursuit remains under investigation.

Highway reopened after investigation

Highway 114 closed for several hours while the Regional Crash Team investigated and diagrammed the scene. The roadway reopened at approximately 6 a.m.

Community support for officer

The Roanoke Police Department is asking residents to support the injured officer through official channels. Gift cards and messages of encouragement can be dropped at the police department.

“Those wishing to assist the officer and his family during his recovery can drop off gift cards”