Lowell Chief Still in Critical Condition After Motorcycle Accident
By: Cassidy Hodges
Updated: April 29, 2012
Hearts are heavy in the city of Lowell while Police Chief Joe Landers remains in critical condition after a motorcycle accident.
Friday night, Landers was at a motorcycle event in Panama City Florida when investigators say a drunk driver pulled out in front of his Harley.
The chief was thrown from his bike.
Florida troopers say the driver of the car--Jimmy John Christo Jr.--didn't stop.
"It happened 800 miles away so we do not have that connectivity that we would like to have," says Lowell Mayor Eldon Long.
The Landers' family released this statement Sunday afternoon:
"To ensure the integrity and reputation of Chief Joe Landers and, to dispel any myths or rumors--
He is breathing less on his own, his brain and pupil reactions are minimal at this time and his brain is swelling again."
"He's been such a valuable asset, his energy, his vision his accomplishments in this community are seen everywhere. Now that he's in an hour of need where he can't pray for himself, basically we're going to pray for him," says Eddie Davis, the Chaplain with the Springdale Fire Department.
So with hundreds of miles between the Chief and his city, some folks in Lowell are petitioning with prayer.
"Until we hear otherwise, we are going to continue to pray for Joe Landers and his family," says Long.
While they wait for Landers to improve, captain Randy Harvey will step in as the interim police chief.
"We've got the chain of command set for [Landers] to reenter at any time," says Long.
And with 17 years of service on Lowell's police force, the city is hoping lots of thoughts and prayers will bring their Chief back home soon.
Some of Landers' friends are organizing a fundraiser Tuesday during "Bike Night" at the Jose's restaurant in Springdale.
They say the money raised will go toward hospital and travel expenses.
Friday night, Landers was at a motorcycle event in Panama City Florida when investigators say a drunk driver pulled out in front of his Harley.
The chief was thrown from his bike.
Florida troopers say the driver of the car--Jimmy John Christo Jr.--didn't stop.
"It happened 800 miles away so we do not have that connectivity that we would like to have," says Lowell Mayor Eldon Long.
The Landers' family released this statement Sunday afternoon:
"To ensure the integrity and reputation of Chief Joe Landers and, to dispel any myths or rumors--
He is breathing less on his own, his brain and pupil reactions are minimal at this time and his brain is swelling again."
"He's been such a valuable asset, his energy, his vision his accomplishments in this community are seen everywhere. Now that he's in an hour of need where he can't pray for himself, basically we're going to pray for him," says Eddie Davis, the Chaplain with the Springdale Fire Department.
So with hundreds of miles between the Chief and his city, some folks in Lowell are petitioning with prayer.
"Until we hear otherwise, we are going to continue to pray for Joe Landers and his family," says Long.
While they wait for Landers to improve, captain Randy Harvey will step in as the interim police chief.
"We've got the chain of command set for [Landers] to reenter at any time," says Long.
And with 17 years of service on Lowell's police force, the city is hoping lots of thoughts and prayers will bring their Chief back home soon.
Some of Landers' friends are organizing a fundraiser Tuesday during "Bike Night" at the Jose's restaurant in Springdale.
They say the money raised will go toward hospital and travel expenses.
