Man accused of DUI hits rookie cop on first patrol after graduating, Colorado cops say

A newly graduated police officer’s first solo patrol ended when an accused drunk driver slammed into his vehicle, Colorado authorities reported.

The officer, who had graduated from nearly a year of training five hours earlier, was in his patrol vehicle checking a license plate when a black BMW struck it at 11:09 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, the Avon Police Department said in a news release.

The officer struck his head upon impact and was taken to a hospital, police said.

An Eagle County sheriff’s deputy and a Colorado State Patrol trooper investigated the crash and arrested the 20-year-old other driver on charges of driving under the influence and careless driving, police said.

Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene, police said.

Police said the officer displayed “exemplary dedication” on his first solo patrol.

Avon is about a 105-mile drive west from Denver.

This story was originally published November 6, 2024 at 3:18 PM with the headline "Man accused of DUI hits rookie cop on first patrol after graduating, Colorado cops say."