Craziest Police Accidents and Mistakes Caught on Camera

Everyone knows the dangers of texting while driving, yet some people continue to do it despite the risks. For instance, on July 26, 2018, around 6:30 p.m., Peculiar, Missouri police officer Joseph Fanello was cycling when he stopped at a sign and saw an approaching police car. Unfortunately, the officer was distracted by a text and took the turn too sharply, causing an accident. Despite the officer’s attempts to explain and deny texting, Fanello only sustained minor injuries, though his $5,000 bike was destroyed. The police offered him an ER visit, but he declined to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. Missouri State Police investigated and the officer, Charles Wallace, was suspended with pay. In October 2018, Fanello reported that while the police department's insurance was uncooperative, a local shop provided him with a great deal on a replacement bike. As for Officer Wallace, it appears he is no longer with the Peculiar Police Department.

In Midland, Texas, on May 21, 2021, a sheriff's deputy had a close call while responding to an emergency call. The deputy's cruiser was stopped by a slow-moving train, and while waiting for it to pass, another train came through. The deputy's vehicle was hit by the train, but fortunately, the deputy only sustained minor injuries and recovered well. Meanwhile, the emergency call about the baby was handled by other deputies.

Bradley Beach Police Chief Leonard Guida was reportedly abusive toward his staff, including a notable incident on November 9, 2023, where he showed up drunk to a DWI stop. He berated Sergeant William Major for his jacket, leading to a confrontation that resulted in Guida physically accosting Major. An internal investigation found Guida was in the wrong and he eventually stepped down from his chief position, which paid $200,000 annually.

On April 15, 2019, in Cleveland, Ohio, Cameron Jenkins's minor accident turned surreal when a tow truck driver hooked up his car while he was still inside. The tow truck’s malfunctioning equipment caused Jenkins's car to be lifted and then flip into a high-speed lane. Thankfully, no one was injured, though Jenkins suffered a severe concussion. A lawsuit was filed against the towing company for $50,000.

Bar PM, an LGBTQ+ bar in St. Louis, Missouri, was hit by a police SUV on December 18, 2023. The officers involved were found to have run a red light and crashed into the bar. The incident escalated when one of the bar’s owners, Chad, was wrongfully detained by the police after expressing frustration. The officers’ claims about Chad’s behavior were disproven by video evidence. The case remains ongoing, and it appears no sobriety tests were administered to the officers involved.

On Valentine's Day 2022 in Spring Township, Center County, Pennsylvania, two police officers witnessed an unusual accident. A tire detached from a passing vehicle and struck their cruiser’s windshield before bouncing away. No one was hurt, and the driver of the pickup was not cited, but it’s a good reminder to ensure vehicle maintenance.

Finally, on April 29, 2018, in Florida, Trooper Brian Zager’s patrol car caught fire after he pulled a U-turn to pursue a speeding SUV. The fire was exacerbated by the hot engine and dry grass. Despite the efforts to address the situation, everything in the car was lost. Trooper Zager faced criticism and was advised to undergo additional training following the incident.