MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO. -- A Maryland Heights police officer was released from the hospital, after suffering a head injury and whiplash when he was hit by a suspected drunk driver. The incident occurred around 12:45 Saturday morning on northbound I-270, north of Page. The suspect is a 22-year-old female from Columbia, Missouri.
The crash has a fellow-officer sharing a life-saving message.
Chesterfield Police Officer Russell Hesser says he keeps his head on a swivel when making traffic stops to protect himself against drunk or distracted drivers. Hesser is one of many patrol officers who drive hundreds of miles a day. He has had to pull over on the side of the road dozens of times for traffic stops.
Hesser says it’s important for drivers to give officers room when they’re making these traffic stops, “Apparently people don't realize, they need to move over one lane when they see us on the side of the road.
If they see any emergency vehicle on the side of the road you should move over one lane and give them space to work.” Hesser also encourages drivers to stay clear of texting behind the wheel or anything else that would cause them to take their eyes off the road.