CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — A Buffalo Police officer left in critical condition after a utility pole hit his cruiser during a vehicle pursuit is now is breathing on his own, responsive and able to speak, Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo said Sunday.
Officer Jonathan Negron, 29, was injured on June 3 while chasing an SUV into Cheektowaga following reports of a gun in the vehicle. The chase ended minutes later, when the suspects' car crashed into a utility pole, which landed on Negron's vehicle, causing severe head trauma and spinal injuries and he was taken to Erie County Medical Center
Police credit the officers who rushed to Negron's aid that day with saving his life.
Rinaldo said while Negron's condition has improved, there is still a "long road ahead."
The accused driver, a 16-year-old Rochester male, is facing felony charges including assault on a police officer.
He is set to be tried as an adult and is being held at a youth detention facility without bail.
Police arrested another teen in the vehicle on an unrelated burglary charge.