Rookie driver hits Sarnia police officer

A Sarnia police officer is recovering after being struck by a vehicle in the area of ​​Old Lakeshore Road near Morningside Drive.

Around 1:30 a.m. Friday, two police officers were walking toward their cruiser parked on the side of the road with its lights on when they saw an oncoming vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly swerve around the parked cruisers and into the grass ditch area where the officers were standing.

Both officers attempted to move out of the way, but one was hit, thrown backwards and crashed into the front yard “a significant distance” away, according to police.

First aid was administered to the police officer, who was taken to the hospital for emergency care; He suffered non-life-threatening injuries, including cuts and scrapes to his head and extensive bruises to his hip and leg.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene, and police said he was believed to have suddenly swerved to the right to avoid hitting parked cars, not knowing officers were standing on the grass shoulder.

A 22-year-old is charged with dangerous operation, novice driver – BAC above zero and careless driving.