Bartow police officer injured after being struck by vehicle: PCSO

BARTOW, Fla. - A Bartow police officer is recovering after investigators say they were struck by a minivan on Sunday evening. 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the crash occurred around 7:10 p.m. in front of the Walmart on Van Fleet Drive East in Bartow.

According to Bartow Chief of Police Andy Ray, Sgt. John McKee, 46, was already on the scene of a hit-and-run crash involving several vehicles.  

Pictured: Sgt. John McKee. Courtesy: Bartow Police Department. 

"The sergeant and one of the officers had their traffic vests on and they went to the road to see if there was roadway evidence there," said Chief Ray. 

McKee, who has been with the department since 2017, was hit by the minivan and suffered several fractures. He was taken to the hospital where he had surgery.

"He is in good spirits. His family is with him," said Ray. "Our officers have been in and out checking on him, so he's doing well."

Even though the visibility was low that night because it was raining, the chief said fire and EMS vehicles had their emergency lights on so he reminds drivers to be cautious.

A law enforcement officer directs traffic after an officer was struck by a minivan on Sunday evening. 

"I just want motorists to think about when they see flashing lights, if there's a place to move over, but also to slow down," said Ray. "The reason we want people to slow down is because there could someone or something in the road."

McKee will have another surgery Tuesday, and if all goes well, may be released from the hospital the following day.

The driver of the minivan stayed on scene and was cooperative with the investigation.

PCSO is now investigating both crashes.