MUNCIE — An investigation into
a March 26 traffic accident involving a Muncie Police Department squad car has resulted in a patrolman’s 10-day
suspension.
Patrolman Ryan McCorkle was on
his way to a nearby traffic accident that day when his MPD Interceptor, with
lights and sirens activated, drove through a red light at Jackson and Madison
streets, and collided with a Chevrolet Impala.
“Our officer was driving too
fast at that blind intersection,” Police Chief Steve Stewart said this week.
“That woman (driving the Impala) had no time to react.”
Neither McCorkle, who was
driving to a crash scene at Madison and Main streets, nor the other driver
suffered serious injuries in the accident.
Stewart said McCorkle “violated
several rules pertaining to emergency driving.”
“You have to drive with due
regard,” the chief said. “That can mean coming to a complete stop (at a red
light). ... This young officer just made a mistake.”
Stewart said McCorkle, an
officer for the past three years, had not been the target of any prior
disciplinary action.
The driver of the Impala was
not cited the night of the accident, Stewart said, and the police department
will be responsible for paying for repairs to her vehicle.