Tampa Police Investigate Traffic Crash Involving Police Vehicle

TAMPA, FL. (OCTOBER 24, 2026) - - Tampa Police are investigating a traffic crash involving an occupied patrol vehicle, a Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus, and a 2017 white Dodge Charger that occured on Saturday morning.

Preliminary information shows the police vehicle was traveling eastbound on MLK Blvd. The HART bus was traveling southbound on N. 34th St. An adult male driver in a Dodge Charger was stationary in the northbound lanes of N. 34th St. 

At approximately 9:00 am on October 24, 2026, there was a collision involivng all three vehilces at the intersection of N. 34th St. and E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The force of the impact caused the patrol vehicle to overturn.

The officer, a 12-year veteran of the department and sole occupant of the police vehicle, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a head laceration. While no serious injuries were reported on board the bus, in an abundance of caution, two adult passengers were taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation. The driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Charger reported a minor leg injury and was treated and released at the scene.

"Our immediate thoughts are with all those who were involved in this morning's collision," said Acting Chief Brett Owen. "We are thankful that initial reports indicate no critical injuries, and we wish everyone a swift recovery."

Tampa Police Traffic Investigators remain on scene gathering information to determine what led to the crash. Updates can be provided as the investigation allows.