La Crosse police officer injured after a driver ran into his squad vehicle
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — A La Crosse police officer was injured Monday night after another driver struck his squad vehicle, according to the La Crosse Police Department.
“The La Crosse Police Department is grateful the officer’s injuries were only minor and he is recovering. We believe the safety of all community members is a shared responsibility and we remind everyone to drive sober,” said the department in a statement.
Police say Jacob W. Schwalbach, 19, was impaired when he drove into the police officer’s vehicle.
The officer was on patrol and driving on La Crosse Street at just after 9 p.m. Monday when Schwalbach was driving south on Lang Drive at about 45 mph, according to police. Schwalbach failed to stop for the red light and struck the marked squad. The officer was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries and has been released.
Schwalbach also hit the stoplight, causing it to fall on top of his vehicle. Schwalbach’s vehicle sustained heavy front end damage, as did the squad vehicle.
Police cited Schwalbach for operating while under the influence causing injury, operator violating a red traffic light and possession of drug paraphernalia.
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