KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On June 16, Knoxville Police Officer Kenneth Vittatoe pulled a person over for speeding near Alcoa Highway. he parked on the side of the road behind the car that he pulled over and began processing the scene.
After a few moments, a minivan crashed into the cruiser and thrust it back into the road while he was still in it.
"I was turned sideways in the driver's seat, tossed me around a little bit, and then it was over," he said. "I was a little shaken up."
Vittatoe was not injured in the crash. Two of his partners were standing nearby in the shoulder lane, inches away from the crash. Almost immediately after the crash, Vittatoe stood out of the cruiser and began walking towards the minivan.
"I still have an obligation to make sure that the other person that's involved is okay," he said.
A KPD spokesperson said that the driver of the minivan could have experienced a medical episode and had minor injuries. KPD also said the driver was cited for failing to maintain lanes and failing to move over for emergency vehicles.
After the crash, KPD said footage from the scene was a reminder of the dangers first responders may face.
They asked all drivers to stay aware while on the road, to avoid crashes and prevent injuries.
"Just try to ask that motorists also try to help us. We can work together to mitigate those risks, but it just takes both," said Vittatoe. "It's just a reminder of how quickly things can change, even in a situation that you've been in numerous times before."
In Tennessee, drivers are required to move lanes if they see a first responder or a utility worker on the side of the road. It's part of the state's Move Over Law. Tennessee Highway Patrol issued 91 Move Over citations in Knox County.