MADISON, Wis. — A driver in a stolen vehicle hit a Madison police squad car on the westbound Beltline Thursday afternoon, causing traffic backups that stretched past Highway 51.
Madison Police Department spokesperson Hunter Lisko said two MPD officers were injured in the crash and were hospitalized as a precaution, but both are expected to recover.
According to an incident report, the driver of the stolen vehicle hit the MPD squad car while fleeing a traffic stop initiated by officers with another department. The driver of the stolen vehicle was taken into custody after the crash.
The crash happened around 12:10 p.m. between the John Nolen Drive and West Broadway exits on the westbound Beltline. WisDOT’s 511 website showed backups stretching past Highway 51. As of 2:25 p.m., all lanes have reopened but delays remain.
Lisko said officers with MPD and other local agencies responded to the scene. It’s unclear how long it will take for crews to clear the scene.
MPD officials said they’re asking drivers to find alternative routes around the stretch of the highway as authorities continue to investigate the crash.
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information is made available.
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