Police identify Roanoke officer injured in high-speed motorcycle pursuit and crash
Roanoke police officer critically injured in crash
A Roanoke police officer remains in critical condition after a weekend crash. He was chasing a motorcycle rider who refused to pull over. Both the officer and the biker collided with a vehicle along Highway 114 on Sunday.
ROANOKE, Texas - The Roanoke police officer who was critically injured in a weekend crash underwent surgery and has a long road to recovery ahead of him.
Roanoke Officer Injured
Cpl. Kevin Buchanan
What's new:
Roanoke Police Chief Jeff Williams gave an update on the condition of Cpl. Kevin Buchanan’s, a motorcycle officer who has been with the department for the past three years.
The critically injured officer underwent surgery on Sunday afternoon because of multiple broken bones and internal bleeding. The surgery went as expected, but Cpl. Buchanan remains in critical condition, the police chief said.
"He's not out of the woods yet, but we're hopeful," Chief Williams said. "He's got a long road ahead of him. He's been surrounded by his family, officers from their own police department in our greater law enforcement community since he was injured."
Roanoke police give update on injured officer | FULL
Roanoke police chief Jeff Williams talks about the officer who was injured during a chase with a suspect on a motorcycle over the weekend.
What you can do:
Police officials expressed gratitude for the widespread outpouring of support from residents, former officers, and fellow law enforcement agencies.
Those wishing to assist Cpl. Buchanan and his family during his recovery can drop off gift cards—such as restaurant, grocery, gas, delivery service, and retail cards—along with written messages of encouragement at the Roanoke Police Department.
Department officials cautioned the public against contributing through unverified links or third-party fundraisers, emphasizing that any official fundraising opportunities will be shared exclusively through the City of Roanoke or Roanoke Police Department official social media pages.
Suspect Facing Charges
What we know:
Deontae Keshawn Myers, 26, of Lawton, Oklahoma, has been charged with evading arrest with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury, a third-degree felony, and reckless driving, a Class B misdemeanor, according to the Northlake Police Department.
Myers remains hospitalized for injuries sustained in the early Sunday collision on State Highway 114. Upon his release from the hospital, police said he will be transferred to the Denton County Jail.
The backstory:
The crash happened around midnight Sunday as Cpl. Buchanan was conducting traffic enforcement near Texas Motor Speedway, where a large motorcycle event was taking place.
Buchanan was attempting to stop Myers, who was riding a 2021 Yamaha motorcycle and reportedly speeding westbound on Hwy. 114. Police said Myers ran a red light at the intersection of Interstate 35W. Buchanan followed on his police motorcycle and a high-speed pursuit ensued.
The chase ended when Myers crashed into a 2023 Ford Transit van. Buchanan tried to take evasive action but ended up hitting the van as well.
Both the officer and the suspect remain hospitalized. The occupants of the van were uninjured.
Roanoke motorcycle officer in critical condition after fiery crash near Texas Motor Speedway
A Roanoke police officer and a fleeing motorcyclist were both hospitalized early Sunday following a multi-vehicle crash on State Highway 114 in Northlake, police said.
The Source: Information in this article is from the Roanoke Police Department and the Northlake Police Department.