May 24, 2012
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A Knoxville Police Dept. patrol car slammed into a west Knoxville utility pole early Wednesday morning, sending one patrol officer to the hospital and leaving live wires splayed on the ground.
The accident occurred in the 9600 block of Parkside Drive and closed the road between Sherlake Lane and Hayfield Road while utility crews. Authorities suggested drivers take Kingston Pike or I-40 to avoid the scene.
A KPD official said Officer Joshua Smith was heading east on Parkside Drive when Smith thought he saw someone outside of a closed business. When the officer turned to look, the spokesperson explained, the right front tire of his Ford Crown Victoria caught the edge of the pavement. His car slid down the steep slope of the ditch and into the utility pole, hitting the lines.
Officer Smith was taken to Parkwest Medical Center where he was treated and released with minor injuries, according to the spokesperson, who added that he was wearing a seatbelt at the time.
