Officer Struck by Car While on Duty in Burlington
In a shocking incident in Burlington, Massachusetts, a police officer was struck by a car while working a detail on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at around 11:45 a.m. when two officers were on duty near CVS Pharmacy on Cambridge Street. Officer Timothy Kirchner was hit by a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox that unexpectedly jumped a curb, causing him to become airborne and land on top of the car, according to the Burlington Police Department.
The immediate aftermath of the accident was captured by SKY7-HD, which showed Burlington police sealing off the parking lot where the crash took place. Eversource trucks were also present at the scene, as the officers were working on a detail for the company. The seriousness of the incident was evident as the injured officer was rushed to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center by ambulance.
Officer Kirchner suffered serious injuries to his arms, elbows, and legs. The other officer present at the scene sustained cuts and scrapes but was not seriously injured. The driver of the car, a 75-year-old man from Reading, cooperated with the authorities and remained on the scene. However, he declined to speak with the media about the incident.
Eyewitnesses expressed their shock and concern for the injured officer. Bystander Kris Jackson, who witnessed the accident, said, “It’s terrible. I didn’t realize what had happened, and it’s very sad. Hopefully, he’s alright.” Another bystander, Mike Connelly, added, “It’s a horrible thing. Wishing him the best, obviously, thinking about him and his family.”
Officer Kirchner, who retired as a sergeant in June after serving 32 years at the police department, still continues to serve as a reserve officer. The incident raises questions about the safety of police officers on duty and the importance of taking necessary precautions.
According to the preliminary investigation, it was determined that the driver was attempting to park when he accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake. The incident is currently under investigation by the authorities to gather more details and assess any potential factors that may have contributed to the accident.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the risks that police officers face daily while protecting their communities. It also highlights the importance of driver awareness and caution, particularly when operating vehicles in areas where officers are present.
As this is a developing news story, it is recommended to stay updated with the latest details by following local news sources.
