Edmond police: Motorcycle officer on 'maximum life support' following crash

EDMOND — About 150 family members and friends of two Edmond police officers gathered for a prayer vigil Sunday as police Sgt. Joseph Wells continued fighting for his life after being struck by a pickup during a chase on Friday.

Wells, a 16-year veteran of Edmond's force and a member of its motorcycle patrol division, remained hospitalized Monday in critical condition and on "maximum life support," according to a social media post from the Edmond Police Department.

Sunday's event was organized by Emily Morefield, wife of Edmond police Sgt. Jeff Morefield. Emily Morefield suggested the event to support not only Wells and his family, but also the family of police Sgt. C.J. Nelson, an Edmond motorcycle officer who died in July from injuries sustained in a crash on the Broadway Extension.

Family and friends of the officers gathered Sunday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. outside of Edmond's police department.

"I think it lifted a weight off everyone's shoulders," Emily Morefield said Monday afternoon. "Just getting together, hugging and supporting each other helped a lot."

Among those taking part in Sunday's event were motorcycle riders, military veterans and numerous police officers.

After the Rev. John Wohlgemuth of Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond made a few remarks to the gathering and led those attending in prayer, participants then broke into smaller groups to continue praying.

"That's where I feel like the biggest impact occurred," Morefield said.

Edmond officer involved in pursuit before crash

On Friday, Wells and other police officers were pursuing a pickup after witnesses called police to report its driver had clipped a guardrail and several other vehicles.

Investigators say the vehicle's driver reversed direction on Eastern Avenue during the chase to head toward Wells, who stopped his motorcycle and fired one shot in the vehicle's direction.

After that shot was fired, the vehicle struck Wells and his motorcycle, throwing him into a ditch.

Police said Friday Wells was responsive and alert as medical personnel carried him to an ambulance and rushed him to an Oklahoma City hospital.

The driver was taken to a hospital to be evaluated before being released into officers' custody.

The suspect was booked into the Oklahoma County jail on complaints of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and endangering others while eluding a police officer.

Wells was the second Edmond motorcycle officer involved in a serious crash this summer.

Nelson, 38, died July 19 after the patrol motorcycle he was riding was struck by a vehicle whose driver failed to stop at a red light on the north end of the Broadway Extension.

Nelson's family has filed a lawsuit against the driver of that vehicle and his employer.

The Rev. Wohlgemuth said he was asked to become involved in Sunday's event by a member of his congregation.

"She wanted to have a gathering to encourage, because there has been a lot of fear, anxiety and uncertainty based upon what has happened over the past few months," he said.

"They were compelled to get together and have a time of prayer, knowing that our only hope in times that are good or bad, like this, is to turn to Jesus," Wohlgemuth said.

"It sort of took on a life of its own, and a lot of people came out to just lift up these families who care so deeply for each other. We wanted to encourage them and support them."

Emily Morefield said this year's events have crystalized concerns officers and their families carry daily.

"It (protecting the public) has gotten harder over the past few years," she said. "The officers who are there, they love serving, but everyone is so shorthanded because it is hard to hire more.

"Nobody wants to do it anymore."