On Saturday morning at roughly 9 a.m., a traffic collision at the intersection of North 34th Street and East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard resulted in a Tampa police cruiser flipping onto its roof. The incident involved three vehicles: a police patrol car traveling eastbound on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, a HART bus heading south on North 34th Street, and a 2017 white Dodge Charger that was parked in the northbound lanes of North 34th Street.
What happened
According to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), the police cruiser entered the intersection while the bus was proceeding south. The parked Dodge Charger was situated in the travel lane, and as the three vehicles converged, they struck one another. The impact caused the cruiser to roll onto its roof, injuring the officer inside.
Injuries and medical response
The officer, a 12‑year veteran of the force, suffered a head cut and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Two adult passengers on the HART bus were also transported for precautionary evaluations, though officials noted that no critical injuries were reported. The driver of the Dodge Charger sustained a minor leg injury and was cleared to leave the scene after receiving medical clearance.
Police department response
Acting Chief Brett Owen issued a statement expressing concern for those involved: “Our immediate thoughts are with all those who were involved in this morning’s collision. We are thankful that initial reports indicate no critical injuries, and we wish everyone a swift recovery.” The department emphasized that investigators are still gathering evidence to determine right‑of‑way and causation.
Ongoing investigation
Traffic detectives remain at the scene collecting physical evidence, and additional findings are expected as the probe continues. No official determination has been made regarding which party held the right of way or what specific factors led to the crash.
Community impact
The intersection is a busy corridor in Tampa’s East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard area, serving both commuters and public‑transit riders. While the crash caused temporary disruptions, TPD reassured residents that traffic flow would be restored once the investigation concludes and the cruiser is cleared from the roadway.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through TPD updates and to exercise caution when navigating busy intersections, especially during peak morning hours.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
