TYLER, Texas - A Tyler police officer faces a lengthy recovery after suffering multiple broken bones and other serious injuries when his patrol vehicle was struck by a speeding driver early Friday morning, according to the Tyler Police Department.
Officer Josiah Baxter was injured at approximately 12:20 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, in the 2000 block of East Commerce Street.
Police said another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed struck Baxter's patrol vehicle. Emergency crews extricated Baxter from the wreckage before he was taken to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital for treatment.
According to a fundraiser established to assist Baxter and his family, the officer suffered a broken hip, an arm broken in multiple places, a spinal fracture, broken ribs and a broken clavicle.
Baxter has undergone his first surgery and is expected to need additional procedures. He was reported in stable condition.
Police identified the other driver as Robert Fasang, 21. Fasang was medically evaluated following the crash and arrested on a charge of intoxication assault on a peace officer.
He remained in the Smith County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Baxter is expected to be unable to work for an extended period while recovering. The fundraiser says he is the sole provider for his wife and three children, including a son with significant medical needs requiring around-the-clock care.
A fundraiser has been established to help Baxter's family with expenses during his recovery.
