Benicia Officer on Foot Nearly Hit By Alleged Drunk Driver in SUV

BENICIA, CA -- A Benicia police officer was very fortunate to escape injury after an alleged drunk driver slammed into his patrol car moments after he stepped out of it to assist a family having car trouble.

According to police, it all began about 3 p.m. on Jan. 5 as a Benicia officer stopped in the 400 block of Military West to help a family whose van had broken down on the side of the street. He parked his car behind the van and turned his emergency lights on before stepping out.

Minutes after he exited the patrol vehicle, an SUV crashed into the back of his car and veered toward the officer and the family. Fortunately, it came to a stop before hitting and injuring anyone.

The driver of the SUV was a 56-year-old Benicia woman who blood alcohol level tested .27, which is more than three times the legal limit of .08.

The woman, whose name has not been released, was arrested and booked into Solano County jail.

A short video clip of the aftermath was posted on the Benicia Police Department's Facebook page. The video can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/743b1...

Image via Benicia Police