UPDATE: Elkhart officer involved in police car/parked car crash identified; investigation underway

UPDATE TWO: The Elkhart Police Department has identified the officer involved in this crash.

According to a new release, Sgt. Jesus Contreras was the police vehicle's driver. EPD says he was responding to a welfare call at the time of the crash. He was reportedly not operating in emergency mode; this means his lights and sirens would have been off.

Contreras allegedly told officials he briefly took his eyes off the road while looking for an item, which led to the crash. He also allegedly reported that he did not have time to brake.

According to EPD, footage downloaded from the squad vehicle indicates it was traveling between 27 and 32 mph immediately before and after the crash.

Officials say Contreras was taken to the hospital with bruising from his seatbelt.

The results of a mandatory post-incident alcohol and drug blood test are pending.

Officials say there was no indication of impairment playing a factor in the crash; a crash report from the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office allegedly identified driver distraction as the primary cause of the crash.

Per policy, the Chief's Review Board will go over the crash, and will make recommended findings on whether the actions are within department policy and procedure.

UPDATE: Just around 8:57 p.m. the EPD squad car crashed into a parked and unoccupied vehicle.

Due to the impact the squad car rolled and came to rest on its side.

An Elkhart Police Officer was transported to the hospital for minor injuries.

No other injuries were reported from the crash.

the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office will be handling the investigation.

ABC57 will update you as further information is released.

ORIGINAL STORY: ELKHART, Ind. -- Elkhart Police Department confirms a EPD squad car struck a parked and unoccupied vehicle on Franklin St shortly before 9 p.m. this evening. 

Elkhart City dispatch says that one person was transported to the hospital, at this time there are no updates on their condition. 

The scene remains active and the public is asked to avoid the area. 

Stay with ABC57 News as we work to learn more.