Cop Suffered Concussion, Neck Injuries After Being Hit By Car: PD

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

HAMDEN, CT — The name of the Hamden police officer injured after being hit by a car last Friday is Enrique Rivera. Police Chief Thomas Wydra said Monday that Rivera “is still recovering from head and neck injuries, as well as a concussion.”

“We are extremely fortunate and grateful that the injuries were not more severe,” Wydra said.

Rivera was struck by a car Friday afternoon while directing traffic, police said. At 3:30p.m. Hamden Police responded to the intersection of Mix Avenue and Benham Street on the report of a traffic light malfunction. Hamden Police immediately facilitated the flow of traffic.

An hour thereafter, while continuing to direct traffic, a Rivera was struck by a motor vehicle, that was driven by a 79 year-old Woodbridge resident.

The officer struck his head on the vehicle and pavement, police said.

Officer Stephen DeGrand of the Hamden Police Department Traffic Division is conducting the investigation, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact him at (203) 230-4036.

Hamden Police encourage motorists to adhere to the following, when observing an officer directing traffic:

• Reduce speed to a reasonable level, below the posted speed limit.
• Move over a lane, unless such movement would be considered unsafe.
• If uncertain how to proceed, wait inside your vehicle until the officer approaches you.

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