Massachusetts: Worcester officer struck by SUV while chasing teen wanted on warrants
A city police officer chasing a 16-year-old wanted on warrants was hit by a sport-utility-vehicle Sunday on Chino Avenue. According to authorities, the teen knew the officer was injured during the chase.
"The juvenile was aware that the officer was struck by the vehicle during the chase; he showed no remorse and stated that 'that's what he gets for chasing me'," police said. The officer was hit by the front of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander and thrown onto the hood and into the windshield around 6:10 p.m., according to Worcester Police. The windshield was smashed after the officer struck it.
Police said the officer rolled off of the windshield and landed on the ground. "The officer was conscious and alert but did receive injuries to his right side that involved his leg, chest and head," police said. "Emergency personnel responded to the scene and provided medical care before he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment."
The officer, a nine-year veteran, was released later Sunday night. The department's Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating. The driver of the SUV stayed at the scene.
The officer saw the 16-year-old male on Saint Nicholas Avenue and knew the teen was wanted for assault and battery and vandalizing property. The teen ran from the officer, police said.
"The officer called out over the police radio that he was in a foot pursuit and provided his direction of travel," police said. "During the foot chase the two ended up on Chino Avenue, the male suspect ran across the street nearly getting hit himself with the officer right behind him. The officer was unable to avoid the vehicle."
The teen was able to escape, but caught later Sunday at his Dorchester Street home. He was arrested on the warrants. Police also charged him with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, resisting arrest, trespassing and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
No citations have been issued against the driver at this time. Police are speaking to witnesses and reviewing area camera footage.
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