Authorities searching for suspect who hit Tempe police sergeant with car
Feb 13, 2021, 7:35 PM | Updated: 7:36 pm
(Tempe Police Department)
(Tempe Police Department)
PHOENIX — Authorities are searching for a suspect who hit a Tempe police sergeant with a car Friday night and drove off erratically on Mill Avenue.
The sergeant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery, police said.
Police were arresting a person who was conducting burnouts near Mill Avenue and the Loop 202 when they saw a gathering of cars organized in a similar fashion to what had previously been observed by those who participate in street racing.
Officers then noticed the vehicles were backed into handicapped spots without displaying proper placards.
RELATED STORIES
Two officers approached the vehicles to warn the occupants of the violation when one of the SUVs accelerated at a high rate of speed out of the parking spot and struck the sergeant from behind, according to authorities.
The suspect fled the scene and sped southbound on Mill Avenue with no headlights on while disregarding traffic signals.
Police decided not to pursue the suspect based on public risk.
It is believed the black SUV was occupied by at least two people.
Anyone with any information about the incident, or the identity of those involved, are encouraged to contact the Tempe Police Department at (480) 350-8311.
No additional information was available.
