CAMBRIDGE — A patrol car from the Cambridge Police Department collided with another vehicle and subsequently struck a storefront Wednesday afternoon while officers were responding to a call for assistance, officials said.
Crash at Washington and Academy streets
The collision occurred at about 1:15 p.m. at the intersection of Washington Street and Academy Street, according to Cambridge Police Capt. Shane Henson. The police vehicle struck the Genesis Food Market building after the initial impact, causing airbags to deploy in the cruiser.
Both the driver of the police cruiser and the driver of the other vehicle were transported by ambulance to hospital. The extent of their injuries has not been released.
- Time of collision: about 1:15 p.m.
- Location: Washington Street and Academy Street
- Vehicles involved: one Cambridge Police Department patrol car and one other vehicle
Investigation under way
At the scene Wednesday afternoon, the Maryland State Police Crash Team was conducting an investigation, Cambridge police confirmed. Authorities said only two vehicles were involved, addressing unconfirmed reports that a third vehicle had been part of the crash.
"The police vehicle hit the Genesis Food Market building."
Officials have not released further details about the circumstances that led to the collision. Cambridge Police Capt. Henson said officers from both the Cambridge Police Department and the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office were en route to provide assistance when the crash occurred.
Immediate effects and local implications
The crash left a storefront impacted and briefly brought emergency responders to the intersection, with ambulances transporting those involved to hospital. Damage to the building was visible at the scene, and the deployment of the patrol vehicle’s airbags indicates a significant impact.
While investigators work to determine the sequence of events, the incident raises questions relevant to residents about safety at intersections, the dynamics of emergency response driving, and the intersection of public-safety duties with everyday road users. Collisions involving emergency vehicles can have complex causes, including vehicle speed, right-of-way disputes, intersection sightlines and actions taken by drivers yielding to sirens and lights.
What residents should know
Officials have not released the names of those involved, their conditions or whether any charges will follow. The investigation by the state crash team could include interviews with drivers and witnesses, examination of vehicle damage and review of any available video or dash-cam footage.
| Item | Known detail |
|---|---|
| Time | About 1:15 p.m. |
| Location | Washington St. & Academy St. |
| Vehicles | Cambridge patrol car and one other vehicle |
| Injuries | Both drivers taken to hospital; extent unknown |
| Investigators | Maryland State Police Crash Team on scene |
As the investigation proceeds, residents who witnessed the collision or who have dash-cam or surveillance footage are often asked by police to come forward. Such material can be crucial to reconstructing events at busy intersections.
The crash serves as a reminder of the risks first responders face while travelling to calls and of the need for vigilance by all road users. Further updates will depend on the state crash team’s findings and any statements released by Cambridge police.
Report compiled from information provided by Cambridge Police Capt. Shane Henson and on-scene investigators.
