OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An accident that injured three Oklahoma troopers on motorcycles during a procession for a fatally shot Tulsa police officer started when one of the troopers struck the rear bumper of a SUV on the shoulder of the road, authorities said.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Trooper Rocky Barnes was traveling on the shoulder when he struck the back of the SUV parked on the shoulder Thursday on the Kilpatrick Turnpike in Oklahoma City. His motorcycle then collided with other troopers.
OHP on Thursday night said the SUV’s driver had legally pulled onto the shoulder and stopped to let the procession pass, and didn’t violate any traffic laws.
Barnes and fellow troopers Steve Eason and Ron Watson were injured. Two were released from the hospital later Thursday while the third remained hospitalized but was expected to recover.
Officials didn’t identify which troopers were released and which one remained hospitalized.
The accident happened as the troopers participated in a motorcade for Tulsa police Sgt. Craig Johnson, who died Tuesday after being shot during a traffic stop.
The troopers were among law enforcement officers escorting an ambulance that was traveling from Tulsa to LifeShare Transplant Donor Services of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. Tulsa police said Johnson’s organs were being donated.
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