x
Breaking News
More () »

Local Law Enforcement Comes Together To Help Injured Westville Police Officer

FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — Law enforcement officers from across Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley are coming together to help a Westville, Oklahoma polic...

FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) -- Law enforcement officers from across Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley are coming together to help a Westville, Oklahoma police officer who was injured during a high-speed pursuit and is recovering at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Westville Officer Joshua Sidebottom was critically injured Monday night (Dec. 14) and had to be flown by medical helicopter to the hospital after he was hit by a vehicle that was being pursued by the Adair County Sheriff's Office, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).

On Wednesday, Westville Police Chief Jason Ritchie said Sidebottom was in stable condition and responsive. Sidebottom sustained several breaks in his left leg, a broken arm, broken pelvis, several lacerations and one of his kidneys is not working, Ritchie said. The officer is expected to be in the hospital for at least another week to a week and a half, the chief said.

In a statement to 5NEWS, Ritchie writes:

"My department and the family is overwhelmed by the support of law enforcement and friends that extends nationally. Several fundraisers have been organized to assist the family in this time. There is an account set up at Arvest Bank for the family. Donations can be made to Josh Sidebottom Family Donation Account."

A Go Fund Me account was also set up for Sidebottom and his family by a family friend.

In a post on her Facebook page, Sidebottom's wife shared a photo to thank local law enforcement agencies that have stopped by to help and show their support.

Local Law Enforcement Comes Together To Help Injured Westville Police Officer

"He was out here protecting and serving and he deserves the honor of us providing his family with comfort during this time of need," Sgt. Anthony Murphy with the Fayetteville Police Department said.

Some of Sidebottom's family and friends have been by his side since he was brought to the hospital, so Fayetteville police officers have been making sure they all have what they need while they're there.

"We've been providing food; breakfast, lunch and dinner," Murphy said. "We've made some contacts with some of the hotels and motels to get them rooms to stay in."

Other law enforcement agencies have been stopping by to offer their well wishes. On Wednesday, Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies dropped off a card and presents for Sidebottom's four children.

"Being a law enforcement family, you have to have a SWAT vehicle and the police vehicle and we also have a fire truck in case anyone wants to be a fireman," Deputy Joe Hudgens said.

What happened in Westville hit close to home for Hudgens, who used to work in the town.

"I called the Westville Police Department and talked to one of our officers and told them what were going to do and he told me thank you all so much for whatever it is you're able to do," Hudgens said.

Before You Leave, Check This Out