Collisions, Shooting Keep Tyler Police Busy

TYLER — Police in Tyler are following up on an incident involving a two traffic accidents and a shooting. Shortly after 12:15 Yesterday afternoon, Tyler Police received a 911 call about a person being shot. A neighbor stated that the victim, who had been shot in the face, was in her driveway in the 8300 block of Garrett Drive. Investigators at this time believe that the shooting was self-inflicted; however, it is unknown if it was accidental or intentional. The victim has been identified as Brandon Laird, 28. Laird is listed in critical condition but is expected to live. The incident is currently under investigation. Police say further details will be released when available.

Tyler Officers assigned to the shooting on Garrett Drive were responding with emergency lights and siren. Just before 12:30 Officer Kerri Long notified dispatcher she had been involved in a collision in the intersection of Grande and South Broadway. Officer Long was traveling south bound on South Broadway and entered the intersection with her emergency equipment on. A pickup traveling east bound on Grande entered the intersection and collided with the passenger side of the patrol vehicle.

Officer Long, a nine year veteran of the Tyler Police Department, was transported to East Texas Medical Center by East Texas EMS. She was last listed in good condition with minor injuries, and her release was pending. The driver of the pickup truck was not injured and was released at the scene.

Tyler Police Officers also investigated another accident at the same location involving three vehicles. A vehicle stopped at the intersection for the officer’s accident and was struck from behind by a vehicle. That vehicle in turn was struck from behind by a third vehicle. The driver of the first vehicle was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The collisions remain under investigation.