A Jacksonville Beach driver faces DUI charges after crashing into a police vehicle during a traffic stop, underscoring impaired driving risks, according to JBPD.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — A Jacksonville Beach Police Department (JBPD) sergeant was assisting an officer in a DUI traffic stop early Saturday morning when a suspected impaired driver crashed into a patrol vehicle.
JBPD said the incident occurred in the 3000 block of 3rd Street South. The sergeant positioned his patrol vehicle in the outside lane with emergency lights activated for officer safety.
After the initial driver was taken into custody, another vehicle approached the scene without headlights and failed to stop despite emergency lights and audible warnings from officers, JBPD said.
The sergeant warned the nearby officer that the vehicle was not stopping. Moments later, investigators said the approaching driver struck the patrol vehicle, forcing the officer to dive out of the way to avoid being hit.
No officers or civilians were injured.
Police arrested the driver, who is facing charges of DUI and DUI with property damage.
JBPD said the incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and urged motorists to plan for a safe ride home if they choose to drink.