BALTIMORE OFFICER STRUCK BY ANGRY MOTORIST

Stunned pedestrians sprang to the defense of a Baltimore City traffic enforcement agent Thursday, after she was struck and injured by an angry downtown motorist determined not to turn, transportation officials said.

As the traffic officer was directing heavy afternoon traffic prior to a performance of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus at the 1st Mariner Arena, a driver allegedly refused the officer’s order at Baltimore and Charles streets to turn into an open lane, city Department of Transportation officials said.

“The operator of the vehicle failed to obey the officer, then the driver accelerated and struck the officer,” said transportation spokeswoman Rosita Sabrosso-Rennick. “After a brief foot chase by civilians, the driver was apprehended and later arrested by police.”

The officer, whom officials declined to name Thursday evening pending notification of her family, was taken to University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where she was reported to be in stable condition. Transportation spokeswoman Adrienne Barnes said the accident is a stark reminder about the dangerous conditions traffic enforcement officers face.

“Our traffic enforcement officers risk their lives each day as they work to facilitate the movement of traffic. This unfortunate incident is our worst fear. We would hope that motorists understand the dangers associated with this duty and obey the instructions issued by the officer to keep traffic moving safely,” Barnes said.

Two tourists from Pittsburgh happened upon the scene, snapping pictures as the medics treated the officer as she lay on Baltimore street. “I heard two people say the officer had been hit by two cars,” said Lance Becker, 22, who was visiting downtown with friend Van Applegate.

“About 10 minutes before, we had taken a picture of a traffic officer enjoying the day. Ten minutes later, one is on the ground fighting for their life,” Becker said. The suspect, who police have yet to name, was at the city’s Central Booking facility. Charges were pending.