AUSTIN, Texas — Two Austin police officers were hospitalized early Saturday morning after a woman suspected of drunk driving reportedly hit them, according to the Austin Police Department. Their injuries are being described as severe but non-life-threatening.
One of the officers was released from the hospital around 6:30 a.m., according to a report by KVUE's news partners at the Austin American-Statesman. The officers were struck while on bike patrol.
It happened just before 3 a.m. in the Red River Cultural District, near East Seventh Street and Red River. The woman is accused of driving while intoxicated.
According to police, both officers were on duty and were wearing their uniforms. They said the driver failed to yield, striking both of them. One officer smashed his body into the windshield of her Saturn while the other was pulled off her bike from in between the Saturn and another vehicle parked against the south curb line of East Seventh Street.
Both officers were taken to Dell Seton Medical Center. The female officer said on scene that her back was in extreme pain and her right leg was numb.
The woman was charged with intoxication assault. Arrest documents state the woman's speech was slurred and confused and that her walking and balance were swaying and unsured. Officers noted a strong odor of alcohol and that she admitted to drinking at least five mixed drinks at five different bars that night. Police also noted a half-empty 24-ounce can of Modelo in the back center cupholder.
The Austin Police Department said they will disclose the officers' identities at a later time.
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