Palm Springs police officer loses control crashes into crowd at Festival of Lights Parade, chief grounds fleet

https://kesq.com/news/2024/12/09/palm-springs-police-chief-grounds-motorcycle-fleet-after-crash-at-festival-of-lights-parade-three-remain-hospitalized/

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills shared the latest on the devastating officer-involved motorcycle crash at the Festival of Lights Parade that left 12 people injured.

Mills told News Channel 3's Garrett Hottle on Monday that three people remain hospitalized, including the officer involved.

"He's struggling, as you might imagine, you know, having the potential loss of a career," Chief Mills explained. "But the doctors have done such an amazing job that he'll be able to, heal and come back and work and serve this community like he has always."

Graphic video surfaced over the weekend, revealing the possible extent of the officer's injuries. The officer, Kenney Merenda, did not lose a hand as other agencies reported, but Mills said he will need future surgeries.

"He has not lost a hand. I know that there's a lot of reports in social media that said he lost a hand. That is not the case. That his doctors are absolutely fabulous. They were able to, to go into surgery, and at least get him to the point where they can have further surgeries down the road," Mills said.