YPD Seeks Witnesses in Police Car Crash
By Jeffrey Gautreaux, The Sun, Yuma, Ariz.
Mar. 21–An 87-year-old Yuma woman remains in a Phoenix hospital after being involved in a collision Friday with a police cruiser.
Helen Hotard was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center and then to Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix for treatment of her injuries, according to the Yuma Police Department. There was no patient record for Hotard at Good Samaritan, a hospital spokesman said Monday.
Hotard was injured when the 2003 Honda Odyssey she was riding in collided with a YPD car being driven by Officer Heather Redden at 2:25 p.m. at the intersection of 16th Street and 7th Avenue.
The Odyssey was being driven by Marjorie Bloemsma, 78, of Yuma, police said.
Linda Rollins of Oakland, Calif., Bloemsma’s niece, said Hotard was receiving treatment for a fractured hip and a head injury at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix. A message left at St. Joseph’s was not immediately returned.
Bloemsma was in fair condition at Yuma Regional Medical Center Monday. Bloemsma has received several blood transfusions and is improving, Rollins said.
Redden was treated at the scene and not taken to the hospital. The 2006 Ford Crown Victoria police car received severe damage to its front end.
YPD spokesman Clint Norred declined to comment on how fast Redden was traveling when the accident occurred. He said she was not involved in a pursuit and did not have sirens activated.
Norred did not have any information about whether the occupants were wearing seat belts. “That’s all still under investigation,” he said.
Bloemsma and a dog riding in the vehicle were ejected because of the crash. The dog was transported from the scene by the Humane Society of Yuma, YPD said.
Rollins said the dog was taken to Desert Veterinary Clinic for a head injury. “I don’t know how my aunt and Helen are going to pay for all these medical bills and the vet bills, as well,” she said. Rollins said that those wanting to donate funds can contact her at 1-510-531-2094.
YPD said Redden was traveling eastbound on 16th Street when the Odyssey, facing westbound on 16th Street, made a left turn onto 7th Avenue in front of the cruiser. The minivan was sent into a spin and struck a light pole, ejecting Bloemsma and the dog.
YPD is asking for any accident witnesses to call them at 783-4421. Rollins said she would like accident witnesses to call her at the number listed above.
Jeffrey Gautreaux can be reached atjgautreaux@yumasun.com or 539-6858.
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