New York: Cops struck were investigating drag racing on Route 117

Two officers struck by a car early Saturday morning had been investigating drag racing on Route 117, police Chief Paul Oliva said. Shortly after midnight the department received a complaint about cars racing on Route 117, also known as Phelps Way, Oliva said in a news release.

The first officer on scene found about 75 vehicles assembled in the road and on the eastbound shoulder near Route 9. One race had already taken place, Oliva said. As police arrived, the drivers scattered. Two more officers arriving on scene saw one particular car speed off, but decided against pursuing it.

About half an hour later, Sgt. Michael McGuinn and Officer Luke Oliveri stopped that same vehicle in the general area. The driver refused to get out of the vehicle, Oliva said, so McGuinn opened the driver's side door as Oliveri also approached.

At that point, the driver "restarted the vehicle, shifted into reverse and floored the accelerator," the chief said. Both officers were knocked down and dragged, with McGuinn pinned under the door and dragged for 50 feet. They were hospitalized with what Oliva said were serious injuries.

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