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Ark. officer seriously injured after tornado throws cruiser

Diaz Police Sergeant Richard Morris was inside his vehicle when the EF-4 tornado, with peak winds of 190 mph, lifted it and tossed it several feet

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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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com