KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Last weekend’s unseasonable weather not only brought unexpected snow but also caused multiple car crashes. There were a few on Howard street alone, one of them sending two officers to the hospital and the driver in handcuffs.
Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley said that two officers were tending to an accident when an alleged drunk driver slammed into their patrol car which subsequently hit them.
“They were out of their patrol car, doing what they do and a vehicle had came in and rear-ended their squad car, which then pushed the squad car into one of the officers,” said Hadley. “Then the vehicle that had struck our squad car also ended up striking a different officer who was the one that was more seriously injured.”
Dash camera video, released Thursday by KDPS, shows the terrifying accident with someone yelling “look out.” Hadley said one of the officers sustained a concussion and a few abrasions. The other suffered a back injury. Both were treated at Bronson hospital.
“No broken bones thankfully and everyone’s going to recover nicely,” said Hadley. “But it’s a pretty scary moment because there’s a whole lot of possibilities and what ifs that go through your mind when something like that occurs.”
Police have not released the name of the driver. However Hadley said its a 22-year-old man who may be a resident of Kalamazoo. He was arrested that morning for drunk driving and having an expired license.
“We do believe alcohol was a factor in the accident,” said Hadley. “The driver’s blood was taken and that was sent to the Michigan State Police lab to be evaluated. Once we get the results back then we’ll follow up with charges if necessary.”
