MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - An early morning New Year's car accident with a Memphis police car left an officer in critical condition.
The accident happened on E Shelby Drive at Gill Road just before 2 a.m. on Tuesday, January 1. Investigators say a Toyota Camry made a left turn from westbound E Shelby Dr onto Gill Rd in front of an officer driving eastbound on E Shelby Dr, hitting the police car's back passenger door on the driver's side. The collision forced the police car off the road where it hit a tree. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and had to be towed.
The driver of the Camry, 25-year-old Ariel Banks, and her 17-year-old passenger were taken to the hospital in non-critical condition. The officer, whose name has not been released, was transported to The MED in non-critical condition, but was later downgraded to critical.
Banks was issued a citation for Improper Left Turn and Financial Responsibility.
