OKLAHOMA CITY — Three of Oklahoma Highway Patrol motorcycle Troopers were seriously injured in a crash during a procession for a fallen Tulsa Police Officer.
According to Oklahoma Highway Patrol, just before 11 a.m. Thursday (July 2) the troopers crashed in the westbound lanes of the Kilpatrick Turnpike while escorting fallen Tulsa Police Officer, Sgt. Craig Johnson.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol crash
According to our CBS affiliates News on 6, emergency crews were on the scene and a medical helicopter was dispatched to the scene.
As the motorcade of law enforcement vehicles was traveling on the Kilpatrick Turnpike, a driver of an Infiniti QX80 was going westbound when she saw the procession behind her and pulled to the right, stopping on the westbound shoulder so the procession could pass.
Trooper Rocky Barnes, who was going westbound on the shoulder to lead the motorcade, struck the left rear bumper of the Infiniti QX80 as it was parked on the shoulder.
The OHP motorcycle then traveled back into the westbound lanes, where it collided with other OHP motorcycles.
OHP says the driver of the Infiniti QX80 legally pulled to the shoulder, stopped and did not violate any traffic laws.
The injured troopers have been identified as Trooper Rocky Barnes, a 22 year veteran of the patrol, Trooper Steve Eason, an 18 year veteran of the patrol and Trooper Ron Watson, a 30 year veteran of the patrol.
OHP Troopers injured during procession
Two of the troopers have already been released from the hospital and a third will remain hospitalized, according to OHP.
Sgt. Johnson was wounded when he was shot early Monday (June 29) during a traffic stop. He died Tuesday (June 30) at a Tulsa hospital, according to News on 6.
Another officer, rookie Aurash Zarkeshan, was shot during the traffic stop, and he is in critical condition.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt released the following statement on social media regarding the crash:
"This morning in Oklahoma City, three members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol were injured in a crash while escorting Tulsa Police Sgt. Craig Johnson. Please pray for these Troopers and for everyone in Oklahoma law enforcement. This tragic event compounds what has already been a tough week. We also continue to pray for and send our condolences to Sgt. Johnson’s family, and we continue to pray for Tulsa Police Officer Aurash Zarkeshan, who remains hospitalized from the attack earlier this week."
