Investigation continues after officer crashed car into house

Investigations continue over a Cape Girardeau police officer who crashed his vehicle into a Jackson home late Sunday night.

About 10 p.m., the officer, a member of the Cape Girardeau Police Department's special-response team, was responding to the 500 block of Nellie Street to assist in a report about a homicide officers later determined was false, said Cape Girardeau Police Sgt. Adam Glueck.

The officer was driving on Highway 25 when he lost control of his vehicle on a curve and struck the carport of a house at 116 Grandview Drive in Jackson.

The officer sustained minor injuries and did not receive medical attention.

No one was home at the time because its owners are trying to sell the house.

After an officer-related accident, police follow a city policy on how to proceed, Glueck said.

Part of the procedure includes a Breathalyzer and drug test, both of which Glueck said were completed; however, the results cannot be disclosed until the investigation is finished.

"We did follow protocol," Glueck said about the accident.

A separate investigation is being conducted by the Jackson Police Department to determine whether tickets need to be issued, but Jackson officers said the report will not be ready until the end of the week.

The City of Cape Girardeau personnel manual states any employee who sustains an on-the-job injury must report the injury within the current work shift, regardless of severity, to his or her immediate supervisor and then will be subject to post-accident drug and alcohol testing.

Alcohol testing must be completed within two hours of the accident, and drug testing must be completed within 32 hours of the accident. The testing is required for accidents involving a motor vehicle or heavy equipment, unless the vehicle or equipment was stopped legally and was struck by another party; accidents resulting in damage to city or private property caused by the operation of city vehicles or heavy equipment; accidents resulting in an employee being cited for a traffic violation; or accidents resulting from a violation of a safety policy or procedure.

Cape Girardeau officers are not issued body or dash cameras for their vehicles. Glueck said while some officers have chosen to buy their own cameras, they aren't standard-issue. He said he believed the officer involved in the accident did not have a camera on him at the time.

In addition to damaging the side of the house, the police cruiser struck a gas line and fire hydrant near the home. Officers went door to door warning nearby residents about the leak. Glueck said he was unaware of other issues caused by the gas leak.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

pertinent address:

116 Grandview Drive, Jackson