KANSAS CITY, MO – Kansas City police released additional details regarding a crash that killed a police officer, a K-9 police dog, and a pedestrian earlier this month.
This is an update to a previous story.
According to KSHB, the pedestrian who died was identified as 52-year-old Jesse Eckes. He was the victim of an incident that also claimed the lives of Kansas City Police Officer James Muhlbauer and his K-9 Champ.
The crash took place in the vicinity of Truman Road and Benton Boulevard. Police said Muhlbauer and Champ were on patrol in their police vehicle at about 10:15 p.m. when they were struck by a Ford Fusion, with both suffering fatal injuries. Eckes was sitting on the concrete traffic signal island near Truman Road and Benton Boulevard and also died in the collision.
Authorities said the driver of the car, 18-year-old Jerron Lightfoot of Tonganoxie, has been charged with two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter in the case. Court documents said Lightfoot was driving the car at up to 89 miles an hour and went through a red light before hitting the police vehicle. Surveillance video indicated Muhlbauer was driving east at the intersection with a green light when his car was struck.
At Playter Trial Lawyers, we are here to help if you have been injured in a car accident and find yourself in need of legal assistance. Our skilled Kansas City car accident lawyers are committed to helping accident victims like you recover fair compensation after an unfortunate crash. To schedule a free initial consultation, give us a call at (816) 666-8902.
