Maryville officer critically injured while on dignitary protection detail
A Maryville, Tennessee police officer was critically injured Friday evening after his motorcycle collided with a Tennessee Highway Patrol SUV while he was escorting Vice President JD Vance's motorcade, authorities said.
The crash occurred at 6:11 p.m. local time on Nov. 14 at the intersection of East Lamar Alexander Parkway and Merritt Road, according to a news release from the Maryville Police Department. The injured officer was identified as Officer Justin Brown, who was "providing a dignitary protection detail escort for Vice President JD Vance" when the collision occurred.
Police Chief Tony Crisp said a group of bystanders provided immediate first aid at the scene before emergency responders arrived. Brown was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in critical condition and underwent surgery on Saturday, Nov. 15.
"To those individuals whose quick response saved FTO Brown's life last night, we could never thank you enough. You are true heroes," Chief Crisp said in the department's initial release.
In an update on Nov. 16, the department reported that Brown had shown "small improvements" but cautioned that his injuries remain significant and that his recovery is expected to be gradual. Chief Crisp also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of messages and social media support the department received.
A U.S. Secret Service spokesperson confirmed to ABC News that Vice President Vance was in the motorcade and said the protectees were not affected. Katherine Pierce, the Secret Service's resident agent in charge in Knoxville, said the agency is closely monitoring the incident and extended thoughts to the officers, their families and their agencies.
The trooper who was operating the Tennessee Highway Patrol SUV was evaluated by paramedics at the scene and was not transported to the hospital, ABC News reported. The Tennessee Highway Patrol's Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is leading the investigation into the crash.
The Maryville Police Department thanked local first responders and hospital staff for their assistance and asked the public to continue supporting the officer and his family during his recovery.
