Aberdeen Police Cruiser Hit By Drunk Driver, Police Say

ABERDEEN, MD — An Aberdeen police cruiser was hit while officers were conducting a traffic stop Wednesday night in a crash that authorities say highlights the danger of drunk driving. The officers were not injured, and the driver stayed at the scene, according to police.

The patrol car was on the shoulder of US 40 near MD 7 when it was hit at 10:51 p.m., police said.

Cpl. James Bodine was in the process of getting into the driver's seat and Sgt. Timothy Helf was in the passenger seat as the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee sideswiped their cruiser. Police said Bodine jumped on the rocker panel of the car to avoid becoming injured.

Ralph Green, 55, of Magness Court in Belcamp, is charged with DUI/DWI-related offenses, reckless driving, negligent driving and failing to follow the Move Over Law, according to officials.

See Also: Harford Deputies Crack Down On Move Over Law

The Move Over Law requires moving into a lane not immediately adjacent or slowing down when approaching law enforcement vehicles, emergency response vehicles, recycling trucks, trash trucks and service/utility vehicles with yellow or amber flashing lights or signal devices.

"This incident highlights the danger that drunk drivers not only place themselves in, but
everyone on the road," the Aberdeen Police Department said in a statement Thursday. One person dies in the United States about every 48 minutes in a drunk-driving crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.