FORD COUNTY— One person died in an accident just before 5a.m. Saturday in Ford County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Hyundai Accent driven by Vanessa Guzman, 26, Dodge City was traveling north on Matt Down Lane. The vehicle entered into the path of a 2018 Ford Explorer driven by Dodge City police officer Shane Harris, 31, who was westbound on Wyatt Earp Boulevard responding to report of a break-in on 28th Avenue, according to Dodge City Police.
The Ford struck the Hyundai in the passenger side.
The impact pushed the Hyundai over a metal guardrail where it overturned and Guzman was ejected. The Ford came to rest on the west bound shoulder next to the guardrail.
Guzman was not wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the KHP. EMS transported Harris to Western Plains Medical Center.
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FORD COUNTY — The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash in Dodge City that involved a police vehicle.
Just before 5a.m. Saturday, officers with the Dodge City Police Department were dispatched to a break-in in progress on 28th Avenue, according to a media release.
When officers were responding westbound on Wyatt Earp Blvd, they approached Matt Down Lane when the driver of a passenger car entered the intersection northbound. The DCPD patrol vehicle struck the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
Vanessa Guzman, of Dodge City, was ejected from the vehicle. She was the only occupant. Officers attempted to provide lifesaving efforts until EMS arrived, but Guzman was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
The officer involved in the accident was transported to Western Plains Regional Medical Center, where he is in stable condition.
Authorities have not released the officer's name or additional details.