Massachusetts: Northampton police detective struck by car; driver arrested for OUI

A Northampton police detective was injured after being struck by a car Wednesday morning. Police Capt. John Cartledge told 22News that Detective Brendan McKinney was conducting a traffic stop of a moped on New South Street, when he was hit by the vehicle shortly before 9:30 Wednesday morning.

Cartledge said that at the time, the officer was standing outside the cruiser. Shortly before the incident, another officer had pulled over behind McKinney to assist with the traffic stop.

“This is never easy for any officer especially officers who were there on the scene. We’re just hoping to move forward and hopefully he’ll be okay,” said Cartledge.

After being treated at the crash site by police and firefighters, McKinney was taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Cartledge said that as of Wednesday afternoon, they have received word that McKinney is expected to recover from his injuries.

The driver who struck McKinney, identified at this time only as a 61 year-old man from Easthampton, is now being charged with driving under the influence of drugs, in addition to other charges. Police will not release the suspect’s name until their investigation is complete.

Northampton resident Jan Dion said drivers tend to speed on New South Street, “There are a lot of crashes in this area as you come into town. It seems as though maybe people aren’t slowing down quickly enough. In the mornings people are usually travelling pretty fast. The police have been making a serious effort to slow people down through the intersection.”