A sheriff department vehicle was totally destroyed but a deputy walked away unharmed after a reckless driver complaint turned into a head on collision.
Deputy Sheriff Justin Cross responded to a reckless driver complaint at 6:43 p.m. Saturday. Adair and Taylor 911 services had received multiple complaints on a vehicle traveling south into Adair County. Cross was traveling around two miles north on Ky. 55 when he observed the vehicle traveling south in the northbound lane of traffic.
Cross brought his vehicle to a stop but was unable to avoid a collision due to a guardrail to his right and oncoming traffic to his left, leaving him no choice but to brace of the collision.
A 1990 Dodge Ram 3500 truck operated by Dale Willis, 72, of Taylor County, struck Cross’s 2010 Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser head on. The impact was so forceful it was difficult to pull apart the two vehicles following the accident.
Willis received no injuries and refused medical treatment while Deputy Cross was transported to Westlake Regional Hospital by police vehicle, where he was treated and released. CPD Officer Drew Conn is investigating the collision and determining whether any criminal charges will be forthcoming. Alcohol was not a contributing factor and both operators were belted. CPD Ofc. Johnny Dial is assisting in the investigation.
