CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NewsChannel 36 obtained a search warrant in the case of the collision involving a Charlotte-Mecklenberg Police Department cruiser.
The collision happened around 2:12 p.m. on July 5 in the 10000 block of Steele Creek Road, near Brown Grier Road, about a half-mile from Interstate 485.
Officer Jim Guard, driving a marked CMPD patrol car, was traveling south on Steele Creek Road when he collided head-on with a black Jeep Liberty. The police car landed in a ditch on the left side of the road.
The accident was so violent that Guard was trapped in the wreckage and had to be cut out of his patrol car.
The search warrant obtained Monday requests medical information from Wanda Oliver, the driver of the Jeep Liberty. It also asks that she submit to a blood and urine test.
In the warrant, investigators cite a long list of prescription drugs found in the Jeep Liberty and in Oliver's purse.
The medications include Vicodin, Xanax, Ambien, and Flexeril.
"These medications are clearly marked with warnings about operating a vehicle after taking the drug because they can impair a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle," the warrant states.
According to witnesses, as Guard passed Steele Oaks Drive, the Jeep Liberty crossed over the double yellow line and collided head-on with the CMPD squad car.
Both Guard and Oliver, who was the sole occupant of that vehicle, were seriously injured during the collision.
The driver of the Jeep was transported by ambulance to Carolinas Medical Center, and due to the severity of his injuries and the length of time it took to extricate him, Guard was transported to Carolinas Medical Center by helicopter.
As of Monday, Guard was still in serious condition. He is a SWAT team member and has been with the CMPD since August of 1989.
