A 43-year-old Festus woman inadvertently drove over the foot of a Festus Police officer who was directing traffic June 22 during the Twin City Firecracker Extravaganza at West City Park in Festus. The officer, Tim Allen, was hurt, but it could have been worse, Festus Police Chief Tim Lewis said.
“We’re fortunate there were no broken bones,” Lewis said.
He said the incident occurred at 9:44 p.m.
“(Allen) was directing traffic in his reflector gear at the first entrance into the south side of West City Park, the side at the ballfields,” Lewis said. “A lady was driving a 2013 yellow Jeep Wrangler, pulled out while talking on a cellphone, drove near him and ran over his foot. He (the officer) said he moved out of the way, but she kept coming right at him.”
Lewis said the incident appeared unintentional, and the woman will not face any charges.
However, Lewis said he is concerned about distracted driving.
“It’s a powerful example of when you’re in your vehicle, put down the phone,” he said.
Festus Police took Allen to Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City.
“He was treated and released about three hours later,” Lewis said. “He was very, very lucky.”
Allen has been recuperating at home since the incident.
“He’s gotten a medical release to return to work on Friday (June 29),” Lewis said.