Crime & Safety

Driver Flees After Nearly Striking 2 Medics, Hitting Arlington Police Cruiser

Arlington police obtained warrants after a driver allegedly struck a police cruiser and nearly hit two medics before fleeing.

Arlington police obtained warrants after a driver allegedly struck a police cruiser and nearly hit two medics before fleeing.
Arlington police obtained warrants after a driver allegedly struck a police cruiser and nearly hit two medics before fleeing. (Michael O'Connell/Patch)

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County police obtained arrest warrants for a man accused of nearly striking two medics with his vehicle and hitting a police cruiser before fleeing the scene Saturday afternoon, according to the Arlington County Police Department.

Officers responded around 3:25 p.m. Saturday to a report of public intoxication in the 1700 block of North Quinn Street, police said.

When officers and fire personnel arrived, they found a man asleep in the driver's seat of his vehicle, according to the police report.

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After waking up, the man allegedly attempted to drive away and struck an unoccupied police cruiser.

An officer issued commands to the driver, but he disregarded them and accelerated his vehicle, forcing two medics to run to avoid being struck, police said.

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The driver then fled southbound on North Quinn Street at a high rate of speed, according to police.

No injuries were reported, and the police cruiser sustained minor damage.

Additional officers searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate the driver.

During the investigation, police identified the suspect and obtained warrants charging him with two counts of assault on medics, eluding and hit-and-run.

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