Off-Duty Philadelphia Police Officer Rushed To Hospital After Motorcycle Crash
By Crystal Cranmore and Elizabeth Hur
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - An off-duty police officer was rushed to an area hospital after his motorcycle collided with a vehicle in North Philadelphia Friday evening.
The accident happened at about 8 p.m. at the intersection of Broad and Master streets.
Philadelphia Police Lt. Ray Evers said the officer was going southbound on Broad Street at Master when a vehicle made a left turn onto Master and the officer, on his motorcycle, struck that vehicle.
The 35th District officer, identified as 28-year-old Milan Merke, was riding with Midnight Run for Peace to promote anti-violence.
"They go in some of the most crime infested areas to show their presence and to try to get people to turn their lives around," said Ramsey.
Authorities say the driver of the vehicle did stay at the scene.
Merke was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital where he is listed in extremely critical condition.
In addition to the officer's family, fellow officers and several bike riders were at the hospital praying for the young man.
"We had a prayer vigil for him, and hopefully the prayers that we did will reach upstairs and make sure he's all right," said Richard Dukes, a fellow rider.
"He's a very good officer. It's really sad because he's a good biker and also he's a good police officer," said Patricia Redman, another rider.
Merke is in the intensive care unit where sources say he is being treated for bleeding in the brain, broken femur and a bruised lung.
The investigation continues.
