Mercedes Officer Struck By Vehicle Outside of Premium Outlet Mall
by Amber Cortez | November 20th, 2020 | Pedestrian Accident
On the afternoon of November 17th, a member of the Mercedes police force was struck by a suspicious vehicle after attempting to investigate illicit drug activity within the area.
Details About the Incident
According to the Mercedes Public Safety Department, the accident occurred at approximately 3:25 p.m. at the Mercedes Premium Outlets. The officer was attempting to investigate what was reported as illegal drug activity occurring inside of a grey four-door vehicle.
As the officer tried to make contact with those inside the suspicious vehicle, the driver of the vehicle ran the man over. The officer sustained undisclosed injuries to his body and was rushed to the nearest hospital where he is currently being treated.
The injuries were not deemed as life-threatening, and the officer is expected to recover soon. No other details about pending charges were disclosed.
A Brief Overview on Law Enforcement Related Accidents
Law enforcement officials are on the front lines of potentially dangerous situations every day, and when tragedy strikes in the line of duty, it affects the fallen officer’s family and their community.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2010-2019, there was an average of one officer dying on U.S. roadways as a result of vehicle-related accidents.
Additionally between 2006-2019, there were a total of 809 police officer fatalities as a result of motor-vehicle related accidents. Approximately 43% of these incidents were reported in the line of duty. In addition, there were 19 police officers that died as a result of a vehicle accident in 2019 alone.
Out of those reported vehicle-related deaths:
- 8 officers died as a result of responding to emergencies.
- 5 officers died when patrolling.
- 4 officers died as they were involved in some sort of motor vehicle crashes.
- 1 officer died as they were responding to a non-emergency situation.
- 1 officer died as they were escorting a funeral or a dignitary.
Auto-Pedestrian Accidents By The Numbers
As per data compiled by the Texas Department of Transportation in 2019, there were a total of 5,952 pedestrian-related incidents across the state. Out of those reported incidents:
- 1,831 incidents occurred in which 1,954 individuals suffered possible injuries.
- 1,991 incidents occurred in which 2,095 individuals suffered non-incapacitating injuries.
- 1,215 incidents occurred in which 1,260 individuals suffered serious injuries.
- 656 incidents occurred in which 660 individuals were declared dead following the event.
These statistics illustrate how deadly such encounters can be for pedestrians, signaling how important it is for pedestrians to stay vigilant while out and about. Wear reflective gear, walk on the sidewalk, and use crosswalks. Should there be no sidewalk or crosswalk, walk on the left side of the road against traffic and cross the road at the nearest crosswalk respectively.
Should you or a loved one be struck by a vehicle, the McAllen car accident attorneys of J.Gonzalez Injury attorneys will fight tooth and nail for your right to compensation.
Source: Valley Central
