CMPD motorcycle involved in crash; officer expected to be OK, police say

CHARLOTTE — A crash involving a police motorcycle in north Charlotte left an officer hurt Thursday morning, authorities said.

The crash happened just before 6 a.m. on North Tryon St. near University City Boulevard.

A Channel 9 news crew at the scene saw officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department mark off the two far left lanes with traffic cones, letting traffic through the far right lane. Behind a CMPD patrol car, our crew saw a motorcycle and a silver car with front damage.

Officers at the scene confirmed it was a CMPD motorcycle involved in the crash.

According to a release from the department, officers were investigating another crash on North Tryon Street that closed the inbound lanes. While at the scene, a car driving the wrong way hit a CMPD motorcycle. Police say this was a slow, head-on collision, so the officer was able to jump off of the motorcycle as it was hit.

The officer is expected to recover from their injuries, and police said they were in “good spirits.”

Deputy Chief Tonya Arrington said she’s thankful the crash wasn’t any worse.

“Anytime we have a crash involving an officer, it’s hard to not go back to what happened to Mia Goodwin,” Arrington said. “But, and it could have been a lot worse absolutely.”

She said the incident was a reminder of the danger in working on the force.

“I think it just goes back to show you, this is a dangerous job and we’re proud of our officers who go out here every day and do what they do,” Arrington said.

She also asked anyone driving near a crash or scene with police are involved to be cautious.

“A lot of people will approach something -- we just ask that you slow down,” she said. “At least until you know what lane is closed. It’s for the safety of the officer, it’s for the safety of the civilians who are on the side of the road as well.

“Slow down. Act like that was your family member over there that’s on the side of the road that the officer is administering aid to,” she added. “Just slow down. It’s easy.”

Officers took the driver into custody at the scene.

This is a developing story; check back at wsoctv.com for updates.

(WATCH BELOW:MEDIC: One person hurt, lanes blocked after crash in north Charlotte)

MEDIC: One person hurt, lanes blocked after crash in north Charlotte

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