Mustang Ridge police officer hit during funeral procession in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - A Mustang Ridge Police Department officer has been involved in a crash on I-35. 

Mustang Ridge Police Officer Jason Payne had surgery yesterday and had a metal rod placed in his right leg due to a broken femur. He's reportedly scheduled for an additional surgery today to fix a broken hand, wrist, fingers, arm, and elbow. Officials say Payne is recovering well and resting.

Payne was riding on his motorcycle while escorting a funeral procession when the collision occurred, according to Mustang Ridge Police Chief Leonard Cantu. The crash happened at around 11:05 a.m. in the 1800 block of northbound I-35 around Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near the University of Texas campus.

"Mustang Ridge Police Officer Jason Payne was involved in a car accident earlier today while escorting a funeral procession. Officer Payne was riding on his motorcycle when this occurred," Chief Cantu said on Twitter. "Please keep him & family in your prayers. He is currently in surgery. Thank You Chief Cantu"

The 100 Club of Central Texas has also activated its Critically Injured Fund to support the Payne family and the families of other first responders who have been critically injured in the line of duty serving our communities.

Donations and messages of support can be sent to The Club’s office, located at 3200 Steck Avenue, Suite 240, Austin, Texas 78757. Donations can also be made online, by phone at 512-345-3200, or by texting "100clubcentex" to 44321.

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100 Club of Central Texas activates fund for injured Mustang Ridge officer

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