A Fresno police officer was hospitalized late Tuesday night after a suspected DUI driver slammed into his patrol SUV near Friant Road and Lakeview Drive, flipping the vehicle onto its side. The officer had parked the SUV across the roadway with emergency lights activated while crews responded to an earlier, unrelated crash in the area. The impact trapped the officer inside the overturned vehicle until Fresno Fire personnel could cut him free. He was taken to a local hospital and is reported to be in good spirits despite his injuries.
According to ABC30 Fresno, the driver who struck the patrol vehicle was identified as 62-year-old Brent Bennett, who was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Fresno Police spokesperson Officer Castillo told the outlet the officer was inside the SUV when it rolled over but is “in good spirits, but injured.” KMPH also reported that cones had not yet been set up around the earlier crash scene because of ongoing road construction. Fresno police say the investigation into the crash remains active.
