Drunk Driver Hits Motorcycle Cop: Police

PORTLAND, OR — A alleged drunk driver hit a Portland Police Bureau motorcycle officer on Interstate-84 early Friday, causing non-life-threatening injuries, according to police officials. The officer was in the process of initiating a traffic stop on a different motorist when the collision occurred.

Bradley Miguel Pitts, 29, was taken to Multnomah County Jail and charged with reckless driving, reckless endangering, assault, and driving under the influence of intoxicants. He has since been released.

The unidentified motorcycle officer around 1:15 a.m. Nov. 2 was initiating a traffic stop on a speeding driver in the eastbound lanes of I-84, near the Northeast Halsey Street overpass, when Pitts reportedly came from behind in a 2011 Volkswagen Golf and struck the officer, knocking him from his motorcycle.

The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the fall, but he was still taken to hospital "for a precautionary examination," police officials said. Pitts, who was uninjured in the incident, reportedly remained at the scene and cooperated with the ensuing investigation.

Pitts was arrested after police confirmed he was intoxicated, officials said.

"Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs injure and kill thousands of people every year," PPB officials said in a statement. "People consuming alcohol or drugs are urged not to get behind the wheel and should have a sober driver or utilize taxis, ride-share companies or transit so everyone is safe on our streets."

(Sign up for our free daily newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Portland Patch)

Image via Portland Police Bureau