A Norwalk police officer was taken to the hospital after getting hit by a driver who police said was impaired and attempting to flee on Sunday.
An officer was stopped for a red light in the right lane on Main Street around 12:30 a.m. when he said he saw a driver pull around his vehicle into the left turn only lane and drive through the red light while making a right turn.
The officer pulled the driver over on Wall Street and identified him as 41-year-old Terrance Parker, of Norwalk.
According to police, the vehicle's registration was suspended and Parker's license was suspended.
Police said Parker also smelled of alcohol and became belligerent when the officer told him his vehicle was being towed.
When the officer told Parker to hand over his car keys, police said he started the car, placed it in drive and accelerated.
Officers said Parker hit the officer, who was on the driver's side, and knocked him backwards. The officer was transported by ambulance to Norwalk Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Local
Parker fled the scene and was initially able to elude capture. His vehicle information was broadcast to area police departments and a short time later, authorities said a Westport police officer spotted the vehicle traveling eastbound on I-95.
Police said Parker refused to stop for the Westport officers and engaged them in pursuit. He was eventually apprehended on Boston Avenue in Bridgeport with the assistance of Westport Police, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police.
Parker is facing charges including assault on a police officer, interfering with a police officer, operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, operating under suspension, failure to obey traffic control and failure to carry insurance. His bond has been set at $100,000 and he is due in court on May 12.
