Tewksbury Officer Struck by Drunk Driver Officer Early Friday Morning

A Tewksbury Police officer is recovering after being struck by a drunk driver early Friday morning while working a construction detail on Main Street.

Police arrested Bridgette Dodge, 24, of 157 Nesmith St., Lowell Friday, Aug. 21. She’s been charged with operating under the influence of liquor, failure to stop for a police officer and negligent operation.

While working a construction detail at 85 Main St., a Tewksbury Police Officer was struck by a motor vehicle at 1:10 a.m. According to police, the officer, who was attempting to stop the vehicle, had to abruptly move out of the way as the vehicle headed towards him. As the vehicle passed, the driver’s side mirror struck the officer, along with the driver’s side window, which shattered from the collision causing the officer to be knocked to the ground.

Additional officers responded to the scene and placed Dodge under arrest a short distance from the accident scene.

The officer was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released for minor injuries. Police Chief Timothy Sheehan says he’s expected to make a full recovery.

Dodge was expected to be arraigned at Lowell District Court on Friday, August 21.