Massachusetts: Springfield police officer hit by SUV during traffic stop

A Springfield police officer has been taken to the hospital, after a driver hit the officer’s foot and leg with his SUV. The driver got away, and state and local police are on the lookout.

According to Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney, the officer was working a traffic detail on Page Boulevard near I-291 Exit 5, in order to prevent people from making illegal U-turns. At around 10:15, the officer pulled over a black Hummer with New York plates. As the officer went to the driver’s window, the driver stepped on the gas- hitting the officer in the leg. The driver then sped off onto I-291 eastbound.

Delaney says that the officer, whose name is not being released at this time, was taken to the hospital but has since been released. He said that the officer received a bad sprain to his leg and is very swollen, but fortunately did not break any bones. He has been relieved of duty until he is better.

Police received a partial license plate of the Hummer: a New York plate “5XM…” The driver was described as an African-American man in his 30’s, he is balding and has a beard with no mustache. He was wearing a red Champion-brand sweatshirt. If you have any information, you are urged to call your local police department.

Delaney says that so far, police have received very good tips from the public about who the driver may be.