*Courtesy of the Missouri State Troopers Association / Thoman family fundraiser.*

Missouri State Highway Patrol Corporal Bruce Thoman was seriously injured on August 26, 2026, after being struck by a vehicle during a late-night traffic stop in North Kansas City. The incident has sparked a massive community response, including criminal charges against two drivers and a widespread fundraising effort.

Around midnight on Wednesday, August 26, Cpl. Thoman conducted a traffic stop on the left shoulder of northbound Interstates 29 and 35 near Missouri 210. He pulled over Erika Guerrero-Chavez, 24, on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. According to charging documents, Guerrero-Chavez resisted arrest and attempted to flee back to her car, forcing Thoman to spend a prolonged period in a highly dangerous position on the side of the highway.

While Thoman was attempting to secure Guerrero-Chavez, a passing Ford Focus driven by Ashton Berry, 25, struck him. Investigators noted that Thoman's emergency lights were fully activated, and traffic was minimal, meaning Berry had ample opportunity to move over into an open lane. Following the crash, authorities found methamphetamine in Berry's vehicle, while Guerrero-Chavez reportedly admitted to consuming alcohol and "shooters" before driving.

Both women are being held at the Clay County Detention Center on $200,000 cash bonds.

Cpl. Thoman was rushed to a local hospital with severe, life-threatening injuries and underwent immediate surgery. The Missouri State Troopers' Association (MOSTA) stated that the crash has permanently altered Thoman’s life and mobility, leaving his wife, Jennifer, and their two daughters facing a "future of unknowns."

In response to the tragedy, MOSTA has organized several official fundraising avenues to support the family long-term, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Thoman family.

Official fundraiser: GoFundMe — Support Missouri State Trooper Bruce Thoman

Official benefit page: Missouri State Troopers Association — Bruce Thoman Fund

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.