A North Miami Beach Police officer remained in extremely critical condition Monday following a violent crash over the weekend.
Officer Nicole Mood was on-duty when she was involved in the crash just after 1 a.m. Sunday in the 1900 block of Northeast 163rd Street, police said.
At a news conference Monday, officials said Mood was improving but still had a long way to go.
"The family has so much gratitude for all the prayers, for the positive thoughts that have come in," North Miami Beach Police Capt. Richard Rand said. "And it's because of these prayers that's that making a difference in Nicole's life. She's starting to turn the corner and she's starting to feel better."
According to police, a red vehicle struck Mood's car, causing major damage to both vehicles. Mood's car traveled into a large traffic pole and she had to be extracted from the vehicle while she was unconscious, police said.
Mood was rushed to the Aventura Hospital trauma unit.
Police said the driver of the other car tried to flee the scene on foot but was caught. The driver and the passenger were both taken to the hospital where they were in stable condition.
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Investigators are trying to determine if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, officials said.
Mood has been on the force for more than two years and is also assigned to the special response team as a technician.
The North Miami Beach Police Department has organized a fundraiser for Mood for Monday, Nov. 23 at Wingstop at 1452 Northeast 163rd Street between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
