Ark. officer seriously injured after tornado throws cruiser

DIAZ, Ark. — A Diaz police officer is recovering after his patrol car was swept up and thrown by an EF-4 tornado during Friday night’s severe weather, THV11 reported.

Sergeant Richard “Dickie” Morris was inside his vehicle when the tornado, with peak winds of 190 mph, lifted it and tossed it several feet, according to the report. The car landed on another vehicle in a backyard. His police radio was ripped out, but he was able to call for help using his phone.

Chief James Thompson confirmed Morris was seriously injured, but he is expected to fully recover.

“Needless to say, the good Lord was watching over him,” Thompson said, asking for continued prayers for Morris and others affected.

At least nine tornadoes were confirmed in Arkansas on March 14, including seven in the northeast part of the state, according to the report.

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