MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com)- One man is behind bars after Memphis Police say he crashed into an officer’s car Saturday night.
Police were responding to a stranded motorist call when the accident happened on I-40 just east of Hollywood Street around 10:30 p.m.
Suspect Charles Hodges, 57, was charged with a DUI and reckless driving.
This is not the first time in recent months an officer has been injured by an intoxicated driver.
“People should consider these police are out here are trying to help us. Drinking and driving is a no, no anyway.”
Authorities confirm the officer who was hit only suffered minor injuries.
In 2017, nearly 8,000 crashes were reported involving alcohol impaired drivers in Tennessee while 348 of those ended in fatalities.
For Frayser resident Cher Conner it’s a serious issue.
“They need to be more cautious about drinking and driving and watch for our emergency personnel because they’re out here to help us.”
In 2018, Officer Jeffrey Creighton was critically injured after being hit by a reported drunk driver.
More recently in March, Lt. Myron Fair was killed while off-duty. He was a 25-year veteran of MPD
The suspect in that crash was also charged with a DUI
Conner says if you must drink, do it away from the wheel.
“If you got to drink stay at home and drink,” said the resident. “That’s where you’re supposed to drink. Don’t get out here and try to drink because they don’t go together.”
The officer in Saturday’s has been released from the hospital.
Meanwhile the suspect is due in court Monday.