JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A patrol officer and another driver were injured in a crash during the pursuit of a suspected impaired driver Wednesday night.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, a patrol officer made a traffic stop of a possible impaired driver in a pickup truck at Cassat Avenue and Shirley Avenue at 10:55 p.m. A DUI traffic enforcement officer was requested and arrived on scene, but as the officer made contact with the suspect, who was still seated inside his pickup, the driver refused to get out of the vehicle and sped off.
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Two patrol officers ran to their police cars, activated their blue lights and sirens and followed the driver from a distance, according to JSO.
One of the officers approached the intersection of Shirley Avenue and Blanding Boulevard, slowed down for the red traffic signal and entered the intersection. At the same time, a motorist was driving south on Blanding Boulevard through the intersection.
The officer's car struck the citizens car. The suspect vehicle that the officer was trying to catch up to managed to get away, according to JSO.
The officer sustained minor injuries and went to a local hospital for treatment. The other motorist was transported by JFRD to a local hospital for a possible injury.
JSO traffic homicide detectives are investigating the incident.
Officers said there were witnesses to the crash and they are being interviewed by detectives.
According to JSO, there appears to be no traffic violations against the motorist involved in the crash with the police officer.
Police are currently seeking the driver that fled from the traffic stop, described as a man in his mid 20s driving a blue pickup truck.
If you have any information on the suspect, you are asked to contact JSO or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.