SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A hailstorm on April 28 destroyed hundreds of cars, including many patrol vehicles across Greene County.

Greene County deputies say they could hear the storm coming through their radios and rushed to bring their vehicles into the garage.

“We had extensive damage across our fleet. I even know that, as I heard on the radio as it was first coming into our area, that I could hear it on the radio as patrol deputies were out driving around. And I know Springfield and Highway Patrol were dealing with the same. And it came fast, and we moved what we could indoors. But, unfortunately, we just had catastrophic widespread damage,” said Deputy Jonah Beadles with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.

The Republic Police Department saw hail damage too, including dents in three of its brand-new vehicles.

“We had a total of 29 vehicles damaged. So, we have, I think, 32 vehicles. So, we didn’t have very many that weren’t damaged. We had 12 windshields broken out. We had two rear windshields broken out, which we’ve already been able to get those two fixed,” said Lt. Zach Richards with the Republic Police Department.

Both departments say repairs are happening quickly to get the vehicles ready for the road.

“Between yesterday and today, our window service technicians were in promptly. And they were great to work with, supporting the community, as I know they’re very stressed. And getting a lot of, at least, our windshields and windows and stuff were prepared so that we could get back on the road and be effective for the community,” Beadles said.

The departments say citizens shouldn’t be worried about this damage impacting patrols.

“Right now, it’s not affecting our operations whatsoever. We’re still handling all the calls as normal. And we’ll just get the cars in and get them fixed as we can,” Richards said.

The Springfield Police Department says it has two vehicles totaled and six others with broken windshields.

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