ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Less than 24 hours after being struck by a pedestrian vehicle on the shoulder of Interstate 70, two officers with the North County Police Cooperative were released from the hospital on Sunday.
According to a crash report filed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred just after 8:20 p.m. Saturday in the eastbound lanes of I-70 near Jennings Station Road.
State troopers claim the two officers had exited their police vehicle to attend to an abandoned car on the shoulder.
The driver of a 2003 Honda Accord lost control of their vehicle, colliding with a guardrail and striking both officers.
The two officers, both 27 years of age, were hospitalized with serious and moderate injuries, respectively.
The 64-year-old driver of the Honda was apprehended on suspicion of DWI.
“This could have been a lot worse, but I’m glad it’s minor injuries, and they are both recovering,” Cpl. Corey Hawkins-Bird, North County Police Cooperative, said.
Cpl. Hawkins-Bird reminds drivers that Missouri has a law requiring them to slow down and move over if it’s safe when emergency vehicles are on the side of the road.
“Make sure you get over,” Hawkins-Bird said. “Give them a lane to work in for their safety and as well as others.”
