BEDFORD — A driver sustained non-incapacitating injuries on Sunday afternoon following a two-vehicle collision involving a Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department vehicle at a major Bedford intersection.
According to a crash report from the Bedford Police Department, the incident occurred around 3:20 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the four-way intersection of 16th Street and State Road 37 Southbound.
Officer Michael Martin of Orleans was traveling westbound on 16th Street while actively responding to an emergency call for the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department. Officer Martin reported that he had his emergency overhead lights and audible siren fully activated as he approached State Road 37.
According to Martin’s account in the police report, he slowed his vehicle upon entering the intersection after observing surrounding traffic slow down or stop to yield.
At the same time, Amy Myers, of Springville, was driving a white 2024 GMC Canyon southbound on State Road 37. Myers stated she was approaching 16th Street, saw a green traffic light, and proceeded southbound through the intersection, adding that she did not see emergency lights or hear a siren before entering the roadway.
As the GMC Canyon crossed, the Sheriff’s Department vehicle collided with the driver’s side of Myers’ truck.
An independent female witness was stopped on the west side of the intersection facing east on 16th Street. She told investigating officers that the emergency vehicle slowed down with its lights and sirens active, and that other motorists stopped or slowed down. However, the witness noted that Myers’ vehicle did not slow before proceeding directly into the path of the emergency vehicle.
Investigating Officer Joshua Turner of the Bedford Police Department cited driver actions as the primary contributing factor to the crash.
Myers reported a non-incapacitating contusion/bruise to her eye. Martin reported no injuries.
Both vehicles suffered disabling damage—the GMC Canyon to its driver’s side and the Dodge Durango to its front bumper/end—and were towed from the scene. Estimated total property damage is between $50,001 and $100,000.
