MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — A Montgomery County police officer was struck by an impaired driver Tuesday night. A spokesperson for the department said the officer was hospitalized with a head injury. The officer's condition is not known at this time.
This follows another of other crashes involving police cruisers and impaired drivers over the past month. Prior to this incident, the police department responded to four other crashes between Nov. 13 and Dec. 9.
On Dec. 9, just before 9 p.m., an officer left their cruiser on, with the lights activated, during a call for service near Gude Drive and Taft Street. That is when the driver of a 1996 Geo 4S reportedly collided with the back of the police cruiser. Officers claim the driver was taken into custody under the suspicion of being under the influence.
"I was fortunate enough where they hit my car. It absorbed most of the damage," said Sgt. Cody Fields with Montgomery County Police, whose car was struck from behind.
These collisions all happened while the Montgomery County Police Holiday Task Force is underway from Nov. 9 to Jan. 1. The task force is meant to crack down on alcohol-related offenses this holiday season.
"When you see us on the side of the road, first and foremost, know we're there... to help you. We're there to make sure that people make the right decision and protect the motorist on the road," said Sgt. Fields. "But, please give us space. Move over. And if you are going to drink, just have a plan," he added.