Two Miami Police officers were left injured on Wednesday after an SUV on the Dolphin Expressway cut them off and caused them to crash, officials said.
According to Miami Police, the officers were driving motorcycles on SR-836 westbound at LeJeune Road and Northwest 42nd Avenue when they were struck by a black SUV just after 9 a.m.
Miami Police Chief Manny Morales said the two officers were conducing a funeral escort when they were cut off by the SUV, collided and then crashed.
After the crash, the officers suffered shoulder, back and leg injures, and were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital for treatment but were expected to be okay.
“This is definitely not the way we wanted to start the year but I’m thankful that they’re both in good spirits and their injuries do not appear to be serious,” Morales said. “It’s a reminder of how dangerous the job is. These folks go out there each and every day and try to keep the streets of Miami safe.”
Miami Police spokesman Mike Vega said the officers should be released later on Wednesday.
The officers are veterans of the department, including one who has been with the department for over 10 years and the other for nearly 10 years.
Morales said the SUV took off from the scene.
“If anyone was on 836 this morning and has either video or any information, saw the vehicle that cut off the cops, please give us a call,” Morales said.
Due to the crash, police closed three westbound lanes on the Dolphin Expressway between 42nd and 57th avenues.