Photo by the Warren County Sheriff's Office

Two Warren County patrol cruisers were struck while assisting with a crash on Interstate 35 early this morning. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office shared a post from Sheriff Joseph Carico about the collisions that occurred as emergency crews were responding to a two-vehicle incident near mile marker 53 at 2:17 a.m. Carico said two cruisers were hit by the truck traveling near normal interstate speeds at a scene that was blocked off and that closed the road due to a fire. He reported both officers involved were able to flee safely. The Iowa State Patrol reports two tractor trailers collided to lead to the large emergency response, including one driven by 27 year old Jackie Brooks of Tuttle, Oklahoma, which rear-ended a semi operated by 47 year old Roman Kotov of Chicago. Brooks was injured on scene but the report shows her life was saved by seatbelt use, according to investigators. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Martensdale Fire, St. Mary’s Fire, New Virginia EMS, and the Iowa DOT responded.