Hendersonville Officer and Civilian Injured in Head-On Collision

In the early hours of Saturday, a serious head-on collision occurred on New Shackle Island Road near Old Drakes Creek Road in Hendersonville, Tennessee, resulting in injuries to both a local police officer and a civilian driver.

 

The incident took place around 7 a.m., prompting authorities to close a portion of the roadway for nearly two hours to conduct their investigation and clear the scene.

 

Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary confirmed that the crash involved Corporal Braxton Craig of the Hendersonville Police Department. Corporal Craig was transported to TriStar Skyline Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition.

 

According to a report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the collision occurred when a 19-year-old woman from Tennessee, driving a 2013 Volkswagen Bug southbound, briefly veered off the road. Upon overcorrecting, her vehicle crossed into the northbound lane, colliding head-on with Corporal Craig's 2023 Ford Explorer. Both drivers sustained injuries and were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

 

By Monday, city officials reported that Corporal Craig had been released from the hospital and was recuperating at home. Hendersonville Police Chief Jim Jones expressed gratitude for the officer's recovery, stating, "Cpl. Craig is in good spirits and is recuperating at home from his injuries. We are thankful that his injuries were not more severe, and we look forward to his return to full duty with HPD. We appreciate THP’s quick response and assistance in the investigation."

 

Mayor Clary also shared his relief, noting, "As a mayor, when I hear that one of our police officers has been injured, it’s just about the worst phone call to receive. I visited him at the hospital and was relieved to hear that Cpl. Craig was sent home to recover. I’m grateful for the quick response of the first responders in the city and county. The city board wishes Cpl. Craig a speedy recovery and will continue to support our police department and appreciate our officers as they protect our families."

 

The Tennessee Highway Patrol indicated that charges against the 19-year-old driver are possible, pending the outcome of their ongoing investigation. Further details have not been released at this time.

 

This incident underscores the risks faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of cautious driving to ensure the safety of all road users in Sumner County.