Farmington Officer Hit By Stolen Car Recovering After Surgery

FARMINGTON, CT — The Farmington police officer injured when he was hit by a stolen car early Monday is recovering after extensive surgery, a department spokesman said Tuesday.

The officer hit has been identified as James O’Donnell, a three-year veteran of the department. Department officials said O'Donnell is recovering at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center after surgery Monday afternoon.

"The Farmington Police Department would like to thank everyone who has reached out with their prayers and well-wishes for our officer seriously injured in the line of duty yesterday morning," a statement accompanying the announcement said.

Officer O'Donnell suffered multiple broken bones and will require "a lengthy rehabilitation" to fully recover from what police called "devastating injuries."

The O'Donnell family has asked for privacy.

The incident took place at 12:50 a.m. Monday after Farmington police responded to a report about an active theft involving a motor vehicle in the area of 1 Talcott Notch Road.

The thieves attempted to flee the scene, but the car hit O'Donnell, who had just exited his police vehicle, according to a report.

Additional officers pursued the getaway car, which was reported stolen out of Middletown. It crashed into a wooded area and the suspects then fled on foot, police said.

Multiple dog teams searched the area, but thee suspects were not located.

Police said any witnesses or anyone with any information can contact the Farmington Police Department at 860-675-2400 with reference to Case No. is 21- 13367.

"Again, the outpouring of support from the law enforcement community, Farmington Town Council, Farmington Board of Education, and community members, has been overwhelming and deeply touched our hearts," police officials said. "The Farmington Police Department and the O'Donnell family cannot begin to express our gratitude for all of your compassion."