Updated News Release-EPD Squad Car Crash Investigation, W. Franklin St, 10.14.26

Updated Release: EPD Squad Car Crash Investigation Follow-up, W. Franklin St.

Updated Release, 10/14/26 at 1:30 p.m.: The Elkhart Police Department is providing the following update regarding yesterday evening’s crash involving an Elkhart Police Department squad vehicle.

As initially reported, a marked Elkhart Police Department Ford Explorer was traveling westbound on W. Franklin Street when it struck an unoccupied, parked Chevrolet Impala on the north side of the street between S. 5th Street and Franklin Court. Following the impact, the squad vehicle rolled and came to rest on its driver’s side.

The driver, Sgt. Jesus Contreras, exited the vehicle and was evaluated at the scene by Elkhart Fire Department medics. He was transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Sgt. Contreras sustained minor bruising from his seatbelt.

In accordance with Elkhart Police Department policy, Sgt. Contreras underwent mandatory post-incident alcohol and drug screening at the hospital, which included a blood draw. Results are pending.

Because the crash involved an Elkhart Police Department officer, the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office was asked to conduct the crash investigation and complete the standard crash report.

According to the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office crash report, Sgt. Contreras stated that he was responding to a welfare call at the time of the crash. He was not operating in emergency mode, and the vehicle’s emergency lights and siren were not activated. Sgt. Contreras reported that he briefly diverted his attention from the roadway while looking for an item, and the squad car then struck the parked vehicle. He further reported that he did not have time to brake or otherwise slow the vehicle before impact.

Interior camera footage downloaded from the squad vehicle indicates its approximate speed was between 32 mph and 27 mph immediately before and at the time of the crash. At this time there is no indication that impairment played a factor in the crash. In its crash report, the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office identified driver distraction as the primary factor in the crash.

This crash will be submitted to the Chief’s Review Board, per policy. The Chief’s Review Board reviews any traffic crash involving an officer driving a city-owned vehicle and makes recommended findings of whether an officer’s actions are within department policy and procedure.

Original Release, 10.13.26:

An EPD squad car struck a parked and unoccupied vehicle earlier this evening on W Franklin St. The officer was transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment of what appeared to be minor injury, and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office will be handling the crash investigation.

Earlier this evening, October 13, 2026, at about 8:57 p.m., a marked Elkhart Police Department squad car traveling westbound on W. Franklin St struck a parked and unoccupied vehicle on the north side of the street between S 5th St and Franklin Ct. Due to the impact, the squad car rolled and came to rest on its side. The EPD officer driving the squad car was able to exit the vehicle and was tended to by Elkhart Fire Department medics at the scene. He was transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment of what appeared to be minor injury.

No other injuries were reported from the incident. The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and will be handling the crash investigation. This is initial information only and we will provide additional information as it becomes available and as it can be released consistent with the ongoing investigation and applicable law.

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