Massachusetts: Worcester police officer fires shots at vehicle before 19-year-old driver allegedly strikes him with car

A Worcester police officer fired two shots at a car driven at him by a Worcester man police say struck the officer in the leg and foot with the vehicle Tuesday morning. The driver, identified as 19-year-old Connor Davis of 12 Darby St., was not hit by the gunfire. He was arrested after police tracked him down and charged with armed assault with intent to murder and other assault charges.

An officer was working a private detail around 12:30 a.m. when he saw a disturbance at the Burger King drive-thru area at 163 Madison St., police said. The driver of a white 2014 Kia was yelling at employees.

Davis, who was driving the car, left the drive-thru and drove to the parking lot area. The officer moved his marked cruiser by the Kia and tried to talk to Davis, police said.

"According to several witnesses, as the officer approached the driver's door, Mr. Davis placed the vehicle in reverse and backed up toward the officer," police said in a news release. "The officer yelled out several commands for Mr. Davis to stop but he did not comply. The vehicle backed up toward the officer several times, nearly hitting the officer and eventually hitting the cruiser. Mr. Davis refused to stop."

The officer, who was not publicly identified by police, had to jump out of the way.

Davis allegedly tried to drive away and turned his vehicle in the officer's direction again, police said.

"The officer produced his service weapon and fired two rounds into the vehicle," police said. "Mr. Davis was not struck by the gunfire and was unhurt. The vehicle continued to drive towards the officer. The officer was struck by the vehicle. The vehicle hit the officer's left leg and foot."

Davis allegedly drove away, but the injured officer was able to get back inside his cruiser and follow him. An officer in the area heard the gunshots and headed to the area. Another officer also responded and police were able to stop Davis at Green and Gold streets.

Police said Davis tried to run from his car, but police grabbed him. The injured officer was brought to an area hospital. The officer has soft tissue damage to the leg, but no broken bones.