Motorcycle Officer Injured in Presidential Motorcade in Dallas, Texas
A Dallas Police Department motorcycle officer was injured while riding in President Barak Obama’s motorcade in Highland Park, Texas on Monday afternoon, according to police. The president was in Highland Park for a private Democratic fundraising event.
The accident occurred when Senior Cpl. Michael Mannis’s motorcycle tumbled over in the 2900 block of Wycliff Avenue at Hartford Street in Dallas. Mannis hit his head and suffered abrasions to his hands and elbows. He was taken to Parkland Hospital, where doctors ruled out a concussion.
Mannis’s motorcycle fell while the officers were performing an “advanced leapfrog” formation, where officers trade positions while leading the motorcade through intersections. Witnesses say as Mannis tried to perform this maneuver, his bike flipped. A doctor in President Obama’s motorcade stopped to help after the crash.
This is not the first instance of a Dallas police officer becoming injured while leading a motorcade. In 2008, Senior Cpl. Victor Lozada was tragically killed while participating in a motorcade for Hillary Clinton, then a senator from New York campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. After Lozada’s death, the Dallas Police Department implemented new rules for motorcades, requiring officers to practice the route prior to riding in the motorcade.
I am glad that Officer Mannis did not sustain worse injuries. I’m sure the Dallas Police Department’s requirements for practicing the route beforehand contributes to better awareness of the route, which is imperative when performing motorcycle maneuvers like “advanced leapfrog” which requires skill and practice.
Information provided by Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer and motorcycle rider advocate Mark A. Anderson. He can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, and toll free across Texas at 877-294-1115. He can also be contacted by clicking here.
Photo from nbcdfw.com
