Temple Police Officer, 2 Others Injured in Vehicle Collision

A Temple Police officer responding to a high speed chase Monday morning was injured when his vehicle collided with another on S.W. HK Dodgen Loop.

Officer Carmen DeCruz was transported to Scott & White Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries following the collision. Two passengers in the other vehicle were also transported to Scott & White with non-life threatening injuries. The Temple Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating the crash.

At the time of the collision, officer DeCruz, a three year veteran of the department, was responding to the pursuit of a car fleeing the scene of a suspected burglary.

Police responded to an alarm at S&C Convenience Store, 1304 S. 31st St., shortly after 3:15 AM. When officers arrived, a black 2-door vehicle was spotted fleeing the parking lot. Police pursued the car west along Avenue M, then along South 57th Street before the driver turned onto General Bruce Drive and merged onto southbound Interstate 35.

DeCruz, en route to assist with the pursuit, was approaching the intersection of General Bruce Drive and S.W. HK Dodgen Loop when a 4-door Volkswagon entered the intersection. DeCruz was reportedly unable to avoid the Volkswagon and the two vehicles collided. A small fire ignited in DeCruz's vehicle but was quickly extinguished. Police say DeCruz's warning lights and siren were active at the time of the crash.

The pursuit of the suspicious car was ultimately terminated. The vehicle was last seen exiting I-35 at 6th Street in Belton. Temple Police are asking anyone with information about the burglary to contact them at (254) 298-5500.