Pedestrian seriously injured after being struck by Lowell Police cruiser

The incident occurred on UMass Lowell's South Campus as the pedestrian was crossing Wilder Street.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A pedestrian was airlifted with serious injuries on Thursday evening after being struck by a Lowell Police cruiser while crossing Wilder Street on UMass Lowell's South Campus. The incident was reported around 6:20 p.m., and emergency crews performed CPR on the injured pedestrian before requesting a MedFlight. The State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section is assisting Lowell Police with the investigation.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about pedestrian safety on college campuses and the need for increased vigilance and safety measures, especially in areas with high foot traffic. It also highlights the importance of thorough investigations into police-involved collisions to ensure accountability and identify any necessary policy changes.

The details

According to witnesses, the pedestrian was nearly across the street when the police cruiser, which was headed northbound on Wilder Street, struck the individual. The pedestrian was thrown onto the hood of the cruiser before rolling off and landing on the ground on the passenger side of the vehicle. The officer driving the cruiser immediately got out to check on the injured pedestrian.

  • The incident was first reported in an emergency radio broadcast at about 6:20 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • Minutes later, emergency crews reported CPR was underway and a MedFlight was requested.

The players

Lowell Police

The local law enforcement agency investigating the incident.

State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section

The state police unit assisting Lowell Police with the investigation.

Cole Richards

A UMass Lowell student who witnessed the collision.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He was basically walking across the street to the parking lot over there, and that cruiser — the patrol supervisor one — just plowed right into the guy.”

— Cole Richards, UMass Lowell student (lowellsun.com)

“It was a pretty loud thud when the guy hit the cruiser.”

— Cole Richards, UMass Lowell student (lowellsun.com)

What’s next

The State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section will continue to assist Lowell Police with a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the collision.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for increased safety measures and vigilance on college campuses to protect pedestrians, as well as the importance of transparent and comprehensive investigations into police-involved collisions to ensure accountability and identify any necessary policy changes.