Tennessee: Blount Co. deputy hit by car while helping stranded motorist

A Blount County deputy and another man are in stable condition after being hit by a car Tuesday evening.

The deputy, Phillip Russell, 48, stopped to help Austin Sturm, 23, after his car broke down on Topside Road.

Officers say , Rufus Page, 55, of Louisville, was heading west on Topside Road when he ran off the right side of the roadway and struck Deputy Russell's cruiser in the left rear, knocking Deputy Russell on top his cruiser and then into the ditch.

The impact caused Deputy Russell's vehicle to lurch forward and partially rolled over the top of Sturm before he also rolled into the ditch.

Deputy Russell's cruiser then tapped the back of the Mustang, but the two passengers inside the vehicle were not hurt.

Page was taken to the hospital and listed in stable condition.

The Sheriff's Office Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the cause of the accident.