In an incident that could be a stark reminder of the unpredictability of urban policing, a Pittsburgh Police K9 officer in his vehicle, while speeding towards an emergency, collided with another car Downtown near the Smithfield Street Bridge. The incident occurred at around 4:40 p.m. yesterday as the officer was en route to an in-progress call, according to a Pittsburgh Public Safety Department statement.
Fortunately, neither the K9 officer nor his canine companion was injured during the incident. Medics checked the officer as a precaution, and all four individuals in the other vehicle were unharmed. Their vehicle was still operable, while the police unit had to be towed.
Fulfilling the procedural requirements that follow such incidents, the Pittsburgh Police have mandated that the officer undergo drug and alcohol testing. This step is a part of the police’s policy to ensure accountability and safety in the aftermath of vehicular accidents involving their personnel.
The investigation into the collision remains ongoing. Pittsburgh authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances that led to the accident or the in-progress call that precipitated the officer's rapid response.
