There are plenty of crashes that first responders can prepare for. Unfortunately, some of the most dangerous ones happen while they’re already helping at another emergency.
That’s exactly what happened in Wisconsin, where a Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit was struck while deputies were assisting at a separate crash on Interstate 41. The patrol vehicle had been positioned to help block a lane and protect the scene when another driver crashed into it.
According to officials, Deputy Mindel was injured in the collision, while K-9 Ryker was evaluated and later released to recover at home.
The incident serves as another reminder of why “Move Over” laws exist, and how quickly a routine traffic incident can become even more dangerous for the first responders working to keep everyone else safe.
Photos Show the Severe Damage Left Behind by the Crash
There is no footage of the incident, though the K-9 Joker and K-9 Bane account on Facebook shows the damage sustained by the vehicle. It appears that the entire right side of the vehicle took a direct hit.
You can see that both doors on that side are crumpled, with the airbags deployed by the impact. While the airbags likely would have deployed in even a minor fender bender, the speed that it appears the other driver was going, paired with the 200 miles per hour speeds that airbags deploy at, I’m sure it wasn’t a fun ride.
Additional details concerning who hit the officer’s vehicle and whether he was intoxicated during the incident were not revealed. Images of what the other car looked like post crash were also not revealed, but I can’t imagine that they look any better than the officer’s.
Commenters Say It’s Another Reminder To Slow Down and Move Over
The overwhelming response was one of relief and support for Deputy Mindel and K-9 Ryker. Nearly every comment included prayers or well wishes, with people writing messages like “Praying for a quick recovery,” “Prayers for a complete recovery,” and “Thank God you’re alive!”
Another common theme was frustration with drivers who ignore “Move Over” laws. Several commenters said crashes like this happen “way too often,” arguing that slowing down or changing lanes is a simple act that could prevent injuries to first responders.
One person wrote, “I wish people would slow down and pay attention,” while another said they would “never understand why it is so hard for people to slow down and get in another lane.”
Many also took the opportunity to thank Deputy Mindel and K-9 Ryker for their service. Commenters referred to them as heroes, praised the work they do to protect the community, and wished both a full recovery.