TENNESSEE OFFICER HIT BY MOTORIST NEAR METRO CENTER

A Metro police officer is in the hospital after a crash on Interstate 65 north near Metro Center Boulevard. The patrol car had on its caution lights, warning drivers to slow down, when an 18-year-old driver slammed into the rear of the police cruiser.

"He was transported to the hospital and was in pretty bad condition (when he left the scene). He's going to recover, but he was transported to the emergency room," said Sgt. Robert Durbin of the Metro Police Department.

The officer was identified as Chad Barth, and Channel 4 News is told he suffered a broken ankle and neck pain.

The driver may face charges, but alcohol is not believed to be a factor, according to authorities.

A Metro police officer was working near a construction site when he was sent to the hospital after his patrol car was struck. Officer Chad Barth was parked in his patrol car, with his lights on, near the exit on Interstate 65 north. Barth was trying to make sure drivers were slowing down as they passed through a construction site, but instead he ended up being hit by a car.

A 18-year-old driver rear-ended the patrol car when he was trying to exit.

According to officials, Barth was rushed to the hospital but will be OK. He's dealing with a broken ankle and some neck problems. The driver who hit the officer was cited for careless driving. Police said the river was not drunk or under the influence of any drugs.

There were two metro police cars at the same construction site with their lights on. Officials believe that may have been a factor in collision.