KS - Brian Arterburn, Wichita LEO critically injured, 7 Feb 2017

A Wichita police officer is in critical condition after he was struck by a vehicle near S. Topeka and Kinkaid in the south part of the city.

Sgt. Nikki Woodrow with the Wichita Police Department says officers were in the 2100 block of S. Topeka monitoring a home. There was also a stolen vehicle and a suspect with several felony warrants.

When the suspect left the home in the stolen vehicle, he hit an officer who was on foot patrol.

A second officer fired a round at the suspect. It's unknown at this time if anything was hit.

Two officers followed the suspect vehicle and a chase ensued to the 600 block of E. Pawnee.

The suspect was taken into custody. There are no outstanding suspects.

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UPDATE -- 5:30 p.m.: Wichita police say the officer struck by a stolen vehicle Tuesday afternoon is out of surgery and remains in critical condition at a local hospital.

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UPDATE - 7:00 a.m.: We now know the name of the person booked into jail after a Wichita police officer was struck by a car Tuesday.

A law enforcement official tells us the the man is Justin Terrazas.

Jail records show Terrazas was booked into jail just after 9:00 p.m. on attempted first-degree murder, theft and other charges.

The officer is still listed in critical but stable condition at a Wichita hospital.

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About Officer Brian Arterburn

Arterburn is currently assigned to the Patrol South Bureau on first shift and has been assigned there since October 1999.

He's received awards while employed with the department including Bronze Wreath of Merit (1995), Bronze Wreath of Valor (1998). Officer of the Year (2001), and he was awarded the department’s second highest award, the Silver Wreath of Valor, in 2005.

The department says Arterburn used his own money to purchase a large quantity of winter gloves and knit hats, which were donated to Lincoln Elementary School. He also helped raise funds for Kansas Special Olympics and participated in a Big Brothers-Big Sisters event.

Captain Jeff Weible, the commander of the Patrol South Bureau, describes Officer Arterburn as a “hard worker who is respected by his peers and supervisors. He is always dedicated to keeping his community safe and has a good sense of humor, keeping a serious job in perspective.”

“Brian’s goal is always to make the Bureau safe for the citizens that call it home," said Captain Weible.

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Wichita Police Officer Brian Arterburn was run over by a fleeing criminal on Tuesday Feb 7th. He is in critical condition with head, brain, chest and abdominal injuries. What he and his family need most now are prayers and support. We are asking everyone to wear BLUE this Friday to show support for Brian and all of our Law Enforcement. Please share this invite and encourage others to do the same.
Thank you from all the families of the Wichita Officers. ****THIS IS NOT AN EVENT THAT REQUIRES ATTENDANCE ANYWHERE, WE ARE JUST ASKING THAT YOU WEAR BLUE FOR BRIAN.****

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This is located at Kellogg and Webb Rd. Thank you to whom ever made this happen!

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perfectingpink said:

#Wichitaproud

https://www.facebook.com/SedgwickCo...20843099482/10155001534984483/?type=3&theater

(Not sure why the date is 02-10-2017.)

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Jax49 said:

That is the day they want people to wear blue to honor the officer.

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perfectingpink said:

Holy crap, I should have known that!

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Jax49 said:

It was too simple. I know, having done it many times.

Is there any word on his condition?

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He's charged with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, leaving the scene of an accident, distribution of heroin, and possession of marijuana.

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Police told KAKE News reporter Greg Miller the decision comes out of an increased need for safety -- not because of any investigation or indication Arterburg misused the equipment during the pursuit of the vehicle that hit him.

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Update Sunday (Feb. 12): The Wichita Police Department asks for prayers and well wishes to continue for Officer Brian Arterburn who remains hospitalized in critical condition.

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A Wichita police officer who was injured in the line of duty more than two weeks ago is still in critical condition, but he is improving.

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"He's breathing on his own and is continuing to fight," Sgt. Woodrow said.

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