ROANOKE, Texas – A Roanoke police officer is in critical condition following a collision with a vehicle during a high-speed pursuit on State Highway 114 early Sunday morning.
According to the Roanoke Police Department, Cpl. Kevin Buchanan, a motorcycle officer, was injured while chasing a motorcycle rider who failed to stop. The pursuit began at approximately midnight near Texas Motor Speedway, where a motorcycle event was taking place. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Deontae Keshawn Myers of Lawton, Oklahoma, was driving a 2021 Yamaha motorcycle and reportedly ran a red light at the intersection of Interstate 35W, prompting the chase.
The incident escalated when Myers collided with a 2023 Ford Transit van. Buchanan attempted to evade the collision but struck the van as well. Both the officer and the suspect were transported to the hospital; the occupants of the van were uninjured.
Cpl. Buchanan underwent surgery for multiple broken bones and internal bleeding on Sunday afternoon. Roanoke Police Chief Jeff Williams stated that while the surgery was successful, Buchanan remains in critical condition. “He’s not out of the woods yet, but we’re hopeful,” Chief Williams said.
Myers has been charged with evading arrest with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury and reckless driving. He remains hospitalized and will be transferred to Denton County Jail upon his release.
Residents wishing to support Cpl. Buchanan may drop off gift cards and messages at the Roanoke Police Department. Officials cautioned against contributions through unofficial channels to prevent fraud.