November 4, 2009 in City

Officer in serious condition after rear-end crash

• Print
• Email
• Share

KHQ-TV photo

This photo shows an SUV that rear-ended a Spokane police cruiser Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009. The patrol car was stopped on Maple Street just south of Sinto Avenue about 1 p.m. while Officer Jeff Graves helped a person.
(Full-size photo)(All photos)

A Spokane police officer was hospitalized with serious injuries today after a woman thought to be on drugs rear ended him while he was stopped in a street helping a citizen, a police spokeswoman said today.

Officer Jeff Graves is expected to survive injuries caused when Debra Hatcher, 54, rear ended his squad car on Maple Street just south of Sinto Avenue about 1 p.m., according to a news release. Graves was sitting in the driver’s seat.

Hatcher was thought to be under the influence of drugs and was arrested on a vehicular assault charge, police said.

Last year, 39 police officers died in car crashes in the United States, according to the news release.

“Citizens are reminded that in Washington State we have a “Move Over” law, requiring motorists approaching a stationary emergency vehicle on the side of the road or in a lane of travel to proceed with caution,” police said.

Six comments on this story so far. Add yours!

• 

  SugarShane on November 04 at 8:16 p.m.

  The curse of Jimmy Marks!!

• 

  PlanB on November 04 at 10:46 p.m.

  I sincerely hope the officer recovers completely from this. Extremely unfortunate for him and Hatcher.

  I would like to have more information on the situation.

  “Move over” laws are idiotic. They do nothing to insure the safety of emergency personnel.

  I’ve witnessed many, many instances of law enforcement parking their vehicles in places that clearly place themselves and others in danger for no apparent reason.

  What evidence was there to assume Hatcher was under the influence of drugs?

  What is the purpose of noting the number of officers who die in car crashes each year?

• 

  Rifleman__Dodd on November 04 at 10:52 p.m.

  I wonder if that cop car “lunged” at the women.

  I dont see cop cars moving over for us. I guess that its hard to maneuver when you have a couple of Krispy Cremes balanced on your dash board.

• 

  shaynalove1 on November 04 at 11:30 p.m.

  okay first off my name is naomi.i no ms.hatcher personally and she is a wonderful person with a big heart,she would do anything for anyone.she also as all dont no is a wonderful teacher.love’s her kids.i dont set blame on her at all the cop should have been elsewhere.not on the road we all drive.i do also no the officer and my heart goes out to him to.she was not on drugs.i no so much about her.i am hurting so bad.cant quiet crying .i love u ms.hatcher and i will stand by u through thick and thin i promise u ms.hatcher.love the snyder family

• 

  philipgregory on November 05 at 10:39 a.m.

  If it’s true she had no illegal drugs in her system someone should look at sueing the SR for defamation of character.

  But, either way she is culpable for neglect in hitting that officer.

• 

  MichelleC on November 05 at 5:51 p.m.

  I know Deb Hatcher and I can tell you she is one heck of a lady. A well respected teacher, a staunch advocate for the underdog and a great friend. It makes me sick to my stomach to think that anyone would declare her under the influence of an illegal substance, that is not who or what Deb Hatcher is about. Deb, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We love you and will stand by you through whatever trials and tribulations come your way.

  As for Officer Graves, I pray for a speedy recovery for you and understanding from you for whatever happened with Deb Hatcher. Know she is a well respected member of this community and this is NOT who she is.

  I suspect a medical situation happened and it had nothing to do with any type of illegal substance. I look forward to the paper and the local news agencies “eating crow” when it comes out that she was not under the influence of any drug or alcohol.