Maryland: Man charged with assault after police officer hit by car

Montgomery County Police say a driver has been charged with assault after a police officer was struck by a car while making a traffic stop in Gaithersburg.

It happened on Dec. 9 near Montgomery Village and Russell Avenues. Police said in a news release that Officer Patrick McCarthy conducted a traffic stop and was walking to the stopped vehicle.

Authorities say the driver put the car in reverse and accelerated toward McCarthy, hitting him. Police say McCarthy shot at the fleeing vehicle.

Other officers chased the vehicle, which crashed, and the driver was arrested.

McCarthy was treated at a local hospital and has been released. He is on paid administrative leave.

The driver of the car, 32-year-old Lynnard Slaughter of Gaithersburg, was charged with assault and reckless endangerment.