The Crane Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating individuals investigators want to speak with following a pursuit in which police say an officer was struck by a fleeing vehicle.
The department posted several photographs to Facebook showing individuals and UTVs connected to the investigation. Police are asking anyone who recognizes the people or vehicles pictured to contact the department.
Crane Police initially released limited information about the circumstances surrounding the request. In a follow-up comment, the department said investigators were intentionally withholding some details because the case remains active.
“We are attempting to speak with these individuals regarding a pursuit during which an officer was struck by the fleeing vehicle,” the department said.
Police said limiting information during an active investigation can help officers distinguish witnesses with firsthand knowledge from those who may have learned details online. The department also cited officer and public safety concerns, the possibility that charges have not yet been finalized and other operational reasons for withholding information.
The department emphasized that it is seeking information that could help investigators identify or locate the individuals or vehicles shown in the photographs.
Anyone with firsthand information is encouraged to contact Crane Police dispatch at 417-339-9117. Dispatch is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Crane Police Department can also be reached at 417-723-5500, although that number is not monitored around the clock. Police said contacting dispatch is the preferred method.
Information may also be submitted directly to the department through Facebook Messenger.
“Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be helpful in identifying and locating this individual,” the department said.
No additional information about the pursuit, the officer’s condition or potential charges had been released by the department in the posts.
More information can be found on the Crane Police Department's Facebook page.
