The BackStoppers announced Monday it is providing financial support to two St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers critically injured when a wrong-way driver intentionally struck their patrol car head on.
The non-profit provides immediate and ongoing financial assistance to families of fallen and badly injured police, fire and EMS personnel in Missouri and Illinois.
Officer Jeffrey Stoll and Officer Kelly Smith were hospitalized following the Jan. 23 crash that killed two people and left both officers with multiple broken bones.
Officer Jeffrey Stoll, Officer Kelly Smith, Officer Smith’s wife, Officer Stoll’s girlfriend, Lt. Joyner, Lt. Col. Lawrence O’Toole, Col. Tracy, Lt. Col. Kriesman, Dan Raniere
The chase began in the City of St. Louis when the two officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a drug offense, according to the probable cause statement. The suspects fled and eventually switched vehicles twice.
The third vehicle was a silver Audi driven by 22-year-old Terrell Jackson, who’s accused of driving the wrong way on the ramp from I-170 to I-44 when his vehicle hit the officers’ marked patrol car head on.
Two passengers in the Audi, identified as 21-year-old Donavan Harris and 23-year-old Anthony Doss, were killed in the crash.
Jackson now faces two counts of second-degree murder, along with charges of second-degree assault on a special victim and aggravated fleeing resulting in death. He is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond.
There’s a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jackson on Feb. 17.
“Officer Jeffrey Stoll and Officer Kelly Smith are exemplary public servants whose unwavering dedication to the safety of our community reflects the highest standards of service,” said Lt. Col. Lawrence M. O’Toole, executive director of The BackStoppers.
“As devoted family men, they and their loved ones are now navigating the difficult and uncertain aftermath of this traumatic incident. These two officers have a long road to recovery ahead, and we will be with them every step of the way.”
Both officers have already undergone several surgeries.
A recent shared video captured a touching moment when the partners saw each other for the first time since the accident after both initially feared the other had died.
The BackStoppers will continue to assist the officers with out-of-pocket medical costs and other essential needs as they focus on healing. The organization is supported entirely by community donations and currently assists approximately 100 families.
Officer Kelly Smith recovering at home after the crash. Credit: Bright Side of Blue podcast.
