On Tuesday, July 05, 2011, at 2:12 pm., CMPD Officer Jim Guard with the Freedom Division was involved in a serious motor vehicle crash. Officer Guard was driving a marked CMPD patrol vehicle and heading south on Steele Creek Road from Brown-Grier Road towards Westinghouse Boulevard.
The second vehicle, a Jeep Liberty SUV, was heading north on Steele Creek Road at the time of the collision. Based upon the witness statement of a driver traveling directly behind Officer Guard, the driver of the Jeep Liberty crossed over the double yellow line and collided head-on with Officer Guard’s vehicle. This stretch of road is one lane in each direction, divided by a double yellow line.
Witnesses traveling along Steele Creek Road called 911 to report the incident and remained on scene to be interviewed by the CMPD Major Crash Investigations Unit. Both Officer Guard and the driver (sole occupant) of the Jeep were seriously injured during the collision. The driver of the Jeep was transported via ambulance to Carolinas Medical Center.
Due to the severity of his Officer Guard's injuries and the length of time it took to extricate him from his patrol car, he was transported to CMC via helicopter. Officer Guard is a 22-year veteran of CMPD with a hire date of August 2, 1989.
Crime Scene Search responded to collect physical evidence and photograph the scene. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-336-8862 and speak with the lead Detective Sammis. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
If anyone would like to donate to Officer J.D. Guard, please send your check to:
April Five Organization
10612-D Providence Road, PMB 745
Charlotte, NC 28277
* 100% of donations will go to Officer Guard and all donations are tax deductible.
