'Really great guy': Family searching for answers after police chase leads to deadly crash
EARLSBORO, Okla. (KFOR) — A 20-year-old man was killed after a police chase lead to a deadly crash, leaving him pinned underneath a vehicle
Cody Buss was riding his motorcycle home from work on June 2, 2023. He ended up being pursued by Earlsboro Police for a reason that still remains unanswered.
According to the crash report, Cody was traveling northbound on Highway 9A when a semi-truck was in the process of making a left turn into a gas station.
Cody's motorcycle hit the semi, and he was then hit by another vehicle.
Shane and Renee Buss said they received the call of a nightmare.
"It's a call a parent never wants to hear," said Shane.
Body camera footage from Earlsboro Police officer Micheal Sebzda on the night of the incident showed what was Busses final moments.
"Still alive, sir? Can you hear me?" asked Sebzda in the video.
"He's got thousands of pounds of weight on his chest," said Renee.
You can hear Sebzda and an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper discussing whether Cody was alive or not.
"Oh he's dead," said the trooper in the video. "I already called the 3030 team."
The trooper says he called the team that investigates deadly crashes but the family believes Cody was still alive at this point.
The footage shows EMS workers arriving and telling officials on scene that Cody is still alive. They then say they need crews to get the vehicle off of him so they can administer medical aid.
"He's breathing. Is he? He's breathing," said an EMS worker in the video.
"He was alive and breathing under that vehicle for all of that time, listening to people say he's pretty much dead," said Renee.
The Earlsboro Fire Department arrived on scene and the effort to remove the car from on top of Cody finally began.
Several people are seen pulling his body from under the vehicle, however his parents said they were later told Buss died on impact.
"In the moment, you want to trust what you're being told. These are medical professionals, law enforcement. But as we started looking into things, it just didn't make sense," said Renee.
Cody was the second oldest of four children. His sisters called him the best big brother, and his girlfriend said he was an amazing support system.
"He was just like a really great guy," Breona Kennedy, Cody's girlfriend.
"If you needed somebody to be there, he would absolutely be there," said Amber Buss, Cody's older sister.
The family says they received a report from the Earlsboro Police Department. In that report, they claim Sebzda never disclosed on the police radio that he was involved in a pursuit. Sebzda never told anyone there was a chase until after the crash had occurred. They also say there is no video of the chase or the crash.
Earlsboro Police Chief Chris Bayless sent News 4 the following statement.
First, I would like to give my Heartfelt condolences to the family for the tragic loss of their son Cody! I will continue to pray for healing for the Buss family personally.
Officer Michael Sebzda was put on administrative leave following the accident, once I was notified, I completed an internal administrative investigation and Michael Sebzda was immediately released and terminated based on the findings from that investigation. Michael Sebzda is no longer employed by the Earlsboro Police Department. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol worked and investigated the accident the night it occurred. I will have to refer you back to them because I don't know if the investigation is still ongoing or has been completed or the outcome of their investigation. Assistant Chief Nicolas Doe, The Second Earlsboro Police Department Officer involved in the Incident was also terminated on an unrelated incident and is no longer employed by The Earlsboro Police Department.
Chris Bayless, Earlsboro Police Chief
Cody's family has started a scholarship fundraiser in his honor, and they also are planning to start a nonprofit organization to help students get through trade school. If you would like to donate click here.