Miami-Dade police officer airlifted to hospital after Miami Lakes crash
MIAMI - MIAMI - A Miami-Dade police officer was rushed to a hospital after being involved in a crash in Miami Lakes.
It happened at NW 167th Street and NW 67th Avenue, near the Palmetto Expressway, and right in front of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Station 1.
Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez told CBS News Miami's Peter D'Oench that the driver of a pickup truck ran a red light and collided with the officer's vehicle. Ramirez said the driver of the truck had his family with him and that was concerning.
There was heavy damage to the front of a pickup truck and the driver's side of the officer's patrol cruiser.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue had to remove the driver's side door of the patrol vehicle to get the officer out. He was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition. His condition has later upgraded to stable.
Ramirez identified the officer as Carson Skelton and said he's been on the force for about 11 months.
"This officer is doing okay, thank God. He has a few fractures. We are very fortunate he is doing okay. I spoke to him this morning and he is in good spirits. A little sore. He is going to be ok. Thank God," said Ramirez.
Police confirmed the officer was released from the hospital around noon.
The driver of the truck was also taken to the hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released.
"Thank goodness if it was going to happen it happened in front of our Miami-Dade fire department station and they were able to quickly respond and extricate him out of the car and render aid to the other victim of the crash," said Ramirez.
The police director said this is a reminder to always be aware while behind the wheel.
"You see the images and it is horrible and very disturbing and thank God nobody was seriously injured. It's just a reminder about being aware of drivers and other people out there on the road. No matter what time of night it is, especially hitting our first responders. Wear a seat belt and keep your face out of the phone and keep your hands on the wheel at all times," said Ramirez.
Ramirez said "Unfortunately the driver that struck him ran the red light and caused this accident. These are the threats. Not only do they have to face gun violence and attacks but they also have to face the risks of the road and they are going from call to call. Everywhere, not just South Florida you see distracted drivers and all sorts of issues. You know it is very difficult getting a handle on this with so many cars out there and there is only so many of us."
He said "We are doing all sorts of things on the road. We are doing our traffic detail and at the end of the day it is about personal responsibility when driving a vehicle. We can't drive it for you."
Ramirez said "He's got some broken bones and so I told him go have a recovery process. I spoke to him. I said just worry about getting better."
Police said charges or citations against the driver of the pickup truck were pending.