KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City, Missouri, police officer suffered serious head injuries Saturday night after they were run over by an ATV operator.
A police spokesperson said the officer had responded just before 7 p.m. Saturday to a crash near E. Truman Road and Main Street.
It’s not clear if the ATV operator was involved in the crash, but police said an aggravated assault took place.
Police said an ATV operator attempted to avoid stop sticks, then completed a wheelie and struck the officer.
The officer fell after being struck, and the ATV operator ran over the officer.
The officer was transported to an area hospital with serious head injuries.
In a statement Sunday, Mayor Quinton Lucas said the officer was released and continues to recover. The mayor also made his stance clear that "streets are not playgrounds for lawlessness."
"Last night, a reckless ATV driver caused injuries to a Kansas City police officer, mayhem on our streets, and continued to display the lawlessness that too many dirt bike, stunt drivers, ATV users, racers, and others display on streets in dense areas of our city. We expect our officer to recover and pray he can return to normal service soon.
"Rest assured as the weather gets warmer, serious enforcement action from KCPD, apprehension, and felony referrals to our prosecutors will follow for all those causing fear, serious injuries, and harm even to themselves on the streets of Kansas City.
"Vehicles are not toys and the streets are not playgrounds for lawlessness. All have a right to enjoy our city uninterrupted by those whose actions bring harm to others."
Also Sunday, KCPD confirmed the preliminary investigation of the incident indicates the subject riding an ATV northbound in the southbound lanes of Interstate 35 around 7:22 p.m. Saturday is the same subject involved in the assault of the officer.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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