Elmhurst Cop Injured When Suspect Crashes Into Him: Police

ELMHURST, IL – A Belwood man was arrested Sunday after driving directly into an Elmhurst squad car while officers were responding to a report of a fight, authorities said.

Jordan Boyd, 24, was ordered to stay in the DuPage County Jail until his trial, DuPage County prosecutors said in a news release.

On Sunday, Elmhurst officers were informed of a fight in the 100 block of South Grace Avenue.

As police drove down the street, Boyd got into his car and drove directly into the marked police car, with airbags deploying, police said.

The crash caused a large cut to the officer's face and the officer's pepper spray to explode, burning the left side of his back and abdomen, police said.

The officer and Boyd were taken to the hospital.

Officers said Boyd's breath smelled of alcohol and that he had bloodshot eyes. They said his blood-alcohol content was .28, more than three times the legal limit.

Police said Boyd turned his car toward the officer's and made no attempt to avoid the collision.

"The allegations that after Mr. Boyd had been drinking, he purposely drove his vehicle into an oncoming squad car, injuring the officer within, are shocking," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the news release. "My office fully supports DuPage County law enforcement. The type of behavior alleged in this case that puts law enforcement officers at risk will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law."

Said Elmhurst Police Chief Michael McLean in the release, "I am especially thankful our officer will recover from this collision and commend him for bravely preventing the intoxicated offender from leaving the crime scene."

Boyd was charged with two counts of aggravated battery involving great bodily harm, a count of criminal damage to public property, and multiple misdemeanors and petty traffic offenses, including DUI and transportation of open alcohol by a driver.