Off-Duty Officer in Critical Condition After Bus Collision
UPDATE: An off-duty St. Cloud, Minnesota police officer, Ryan Matthew Ebert, is in critical condition following a devastating collision with a bus on October 23, 2023. Ebert’s pickup truck crashed into the rear of a Mississippi Valley Transit Authority bus in Apple Valley just before 10 p.m. on Monday night.
Authorities have confirmed that alcohol was involved in the incident, although St. Cloud Police Chief Jeffrey Oxton clarified that Ebert’s blood tests indicated only a trace amount, well below levels deemed impairing. This discrepancy has raised concerns about misleading media reports surrounding the crash.
Ebert, 44, was driving his Ram pickup when he collided with the bus while both vehicles were traveling northbound on Minnesota 77/Cedar Avenue. After the crash, he suffered injuries described by friends as “not survivable” and was rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by friend Tonya Eggers to support Ebert’s children, aged 17 and 18, during this challenging time.
“The family is now navigating a time filled with unexpected and overwhelming challenges,” Eggers wrote, emphasizing Ebert’s commitment to his children’s well-being. Ebert has been with the St. Cloud Police Department since 2006, serving as both an investigator and patrol officer.
The driver of the bus, Phillip Alan Wright, 65, also sustained minor injuries and was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. Law enforcement officials are urging caution in drawing conclusions about the cause of the accident until the Minnesota State Patrol completes its investigation.
“We are devastated by this news,” Chief Oxton stated, highlighting the emotional toll on the department and the community. “It is important that the cause of the accident not be judged prematurely.”
As investigations continue, community members are rallying support for Ebert’s family, with many expressing their hopes for his recovery. This incident has sparked discussions about road safety and the impact of alcohol-related accidents, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
