ELKHART, Ind. — An Elkhart police cruiser rollover crash sparked a mandatory internal review after investigators determined driver distraction was the primary cause of the accident.

The incident happened just before 9 p.m. Tuesday on W. Franklin Street when a marked Elkhart Police Department Ford Explorer driving west struck an unoccupied, parked Chevrolet Impala on the north side of the street between S. 5th Street and Franklin Court. Following the impact, the squad vehicle rolled and came to rest on its driver’s side.

The driver, Sergeant Jesus Contreras, was evaluated at the scene by Elkhart Fire Department medics before being transported to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment. He sustained minor bruising from his seatbelt.

In accordance with department policy, Contreras underwent mandatory post-incident alcohol and drug screening at the hospital, which included a blood draw. Results are pending.

Because the crash involved a police vehicle, the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation and completed the standard crash report.

According to the sheriff’s office, Contreras stated he was responding to a welfare call at the time of the crash. He was not operating in emergency mode, and the vehicle’s emergency lights and siren were not activated. Contreras reported he briefly diverted his attention from the roadway while looking for an item, and the squad car then struck the parked vehicle. He noted he did not have time to brake or otherwise slow the vehicle before impact.

Interior camera footage downloaded from the squad vehicle indicated its speed was between 27 mph and 32 mph immediately before and at the time of the crash. Authorities stated there is no indication that impairment played a factor.

The incident will be submitted to the Chief’s Review Board, which evaluates any traffic crash involving an officer driving a city-owned vehicle to determine whether actions complied with department policy and procedure.