IMPD Officer injured in crash after alleged drunk driver turned into patrol cars path

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Northwest District Officer injured in crash after being struck by an alleged drunk driver.

Just after 12:40 a.m. on 03/24/2019, an officer with IMPD was driving south on Lafayette Rd proceeding through a green light at W 34^th St, when a Chevy Impala in the north lane of Lafayette Rd turned left in front of the officer. The officer was unable to avoid the gray Impala and struck it on the passenger side causing both vehicles to spin. The gray Impala then struck a light cabinet and a utility pole. After spinning the officer’s car also struck a utility pole. The involved vehicles suffered heavy damage and both drivers were extricated by the Indianapolis Fire Department.

The driver of the impala was transported to Eskenazi hospital in serious condition where a blood draw was administered. The driver did admit to allegedly drinking alcoholic beverages earlier that evening. Both the driver and the officer had lost consciousness at the scene as a result of the accident. The officer was transported to the hospital with possible internal injuries and a possible concussion. The officer was also administered a blood draw as is standard procedure for a Serious Bodily Injury accident, however the officer is not suspected of being under the influence. The officer had surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.

Accident investigators responded to the scene. At this time, the driver of the impala is not under arrest. Investigators will wait for the results of the blood draw. Charges will be possible at that time.

This is the third accident involving an IMPD officer and an alleged drunk driver since December of 2018. Drunk driving is a serious offense that can lead to terrible accidents where lives are lost. Don’t drink and drive. Call a cab, a trusted friend or family member, or use one of the many services available such as Lyft or Uber. Don’t risk your life or someone else’s. Let’s make sure we all make it home safe at the end of the night. Drive sober or get pulled over.