A police officer, who was on foot attempting to block traffic as officers pursued a reckless vehicle, was struck by the vehicle as the driver drove in circles on Milwaukee Avenue in Lincolnshire.
The Lincolnshire Police Department received a call from a neighboring police department regarding a reckless driver traveling northbound on Milwaukee Avenue near Aptakisic Road just before 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
Lincolnshire Police Department Commander Kimberly Covelli said dispatchers immediately received several 911 calls from people in the area reporting the vehicle was driving recklessly and blocking the roadway.
As police arrived on the scene, the suspect vehicle proceeded northbound on Milwaukee Avenue and then started driving in circles on the roadway through all lanes of Milwaukee Avenue near Riverside Road.
An officer attempted to block northbound traffic on Milwaukee Avenue to keep motorists safe, Covelli said.
After exiting her squad car, she was struck by the suspect’s vehicle.
The driver fled from the scene at a high rate of speed and officers pursued the vehicle in an attempt to stop it.
The vehicle did not stop for the officers’ emergency lights and sirens, Covelli said.
“Due to the recklessness of the driver and to avoid other innocent persons from being involved in a serious crash, officers discontinued the pursuit,” she said.
The injured officer was transported from the scene by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with non-life-threatening injuries.
The officer was treated and released, Covelli said. Lincolnshire police detectives continue to investigate the incident.