JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A woman accused of driving drunk in Jacksonville on early Thursday morning crashed her pickup truck into a police car while an officer was inside, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Police said Cate Kitay, 29, hit the marked patrol SUV around 1:30 a.m. on I-10 heading west, just before Lane Avenue, adding that the SUV was parked while displaying flashing emergency lights.
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JSO added that the officer sustained minor injuries and is expected to fully recover, but that the incident could have easily ended tragically.
“An officer was inside that vehicle. Construction crews were working nearby. And a drunk driver plowed straight through a clearly marked lane closure with emergency lights flashing,” JSO said. “All of this was completely preventable.”
When the crash occurred, police said the force of the crash pushed the truck into a nearby utility truck, which was unoccupied.
No additional injuries were reported at the scene. Investigators are continuing their work to determine the full circumstances.
Officials reiterated safety rules for drivers: slow down, move over for emergency vehicles and work zones, and avoid driving under the influence.