Columbia Police investigate vehicle collision involving patrol vehicle with minor injuries on Feb. 24

On Monday, Feb. 24, at approximately 12:30 a.m., a Columbia Police patrol vehicle was struck by another vehicle on U.S. Hwy 63 between the intersection of E. Broadway and Stadium Drive. 

Officers were dispatched to a report of a tire in the northbound passing lane of U.S. Highway 63. The patrol vehicle was stopped in the passing lane with all emergency lights activated. 

One officer was on the side of the road removing the item from the roadway while the other officer was seated in the front passenger side of the CPD patrol vehicle. The officer outside of the patrol vehicle heard screeching tires and a loud collision. The officer turned to observe a vehicle had struck the back of the patrol vehicle.

The vehicle was a Pontiac Vibe and driven by Kylie Rochel Shepherd, 25, of Kaiser, Missouri. Following the impact, Shepherd’s vehicle caught fire. The two officers assisted in removing Shepherd from the burning vehicle. The Columbia Fire Department arrived at approximately 12:39 a.m. and was able to extinguish the fire. 

Shepherd and the officer seated in the patrol vehicle were transported by ambulance to a local emergency room for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The officer was released after medical treatment and the condition of the driver of the Vibe is unknown. 

This is an ongoing investigation. There are no further details to provide at this time.

Case number 2020-001711