Connecticut Officer Struck by Suspected Drunk Driver Will be OK

An officer with the Norwalk (CT) Police Department suffered non-life-threatening injuries when he was struck by a vehicle operated by a suspected drunk driver.

The agency said on Facebook that the driver—identified as Terrance Parker—had been pulled over after the officer observed the car moving erratically.

The officer initiated a traffic stop, and during the stop Parker reportedly restarted his vehicle and began to accelerate away from the scene, knocking the officer—who was at the driver’s side—backwards. Police said Parker fled the scene at a high rate of speed and was initially able to elude capture.

He was taken into custody a short time later.

Parker has been charged with Assault on a Police Officer, Interfering with a Police Officer, Operating Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol, Operating Under Suspension, Failure to Obey Traffic Control, and Failure to Carry Insurance.