A Philadelphia police officer is recovering after investigators said she was struck by an intoxicated driver who fled the scene and was later captured.
The 44-year-old officer from the 15th District was conducting a traffic stop on the 6700 block of Torresdale Avenue near Unruh Avenue in the Tacony section of Northeast Philadelphia Wednesday just after 8 p.m. when a black 2013 Chevy Malibu swerved into her as it passed by, police said. The vehicle then continued northbound on Torresdale Avenue.
The officer was conscious, but disoriented when she was taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said she was "out of it."
"She was struck with such force, her body was launched about 10 feet northbound where she fell onto the street and the striking vehicle just fled the scene," Small said.
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The officer suffered head trauma, bumps and bruises to her body and possibly broke her leg, Small said. She was listed in stable condition.
Officials said she's been an officer for 12 years.
Police later found the suspected hit-and-run vehicle going through a red light at Cottman and Torresdale avenues, investigators said.
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The driver, identified by police as 41-year-old Terrell Lee, got out of the car and began to walk away but was stopped by officers, police said. He was arrested and charged with DUI and other related offenses.
