SPD motorcycle officer injured in crash

A Spokane Police Department motorcycle officer was injured Thursday afternoon in a collision with a car while in pursuit of two speeding cars on Crestline Street in north Spokane.

Officer Shaidon Storch was initially thought to be seriously injured, but he was up and walking around shortly after arriving at a hospital, according to police spokeswoman Officer Teresa Fuller.

Witnesses told police the officer was chasing a blue car and a black car that appeared to be racing north on Crestline, Fuller said.

The witnesses also said the officer had his lights and siren turned on as he approached the intersection of Crestline and Rowan Avenue.

Storch’s motorcycle impacted the side of a car heading west on Rowan. There are stop signs on Rowan but not on Crestline. The driver of the car was treated for minor injuries at the scene, Fuller said.

The Washington State Patrol is handling the crash investigation.

Neighbors said there are frequent crashes at the intersection, and they believe a traffic light is necessary.

Storch has been with the department for 10 years and with the motorcycle traffic unit for six years.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the speeding cars and has not talked to police is asked to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.