Drunk Driver Crashed Into Leesburg Police Cruiser: Authorities

LEESBURG, VA — A driver crashed into a Leesburg police cruiser on Saturday night as the officer helped a car that had broken down, authorities said.

No injuries were reported in the crash.

The driver, 33-year-old Joshua Deleonardis, was arrested after the crash. He is charged with one count of driving while intoxicated.

The crash occurred around 11 p.m. on Saturday along eastbound Route 7. Two Leesburg police officers had blocked an exit lane to help a vehicle that had broken down, according to the police report.

Authorities said the officers left the emergency lights on for their cruisers as they helped the disabled vehicle. Investigators said Deleonardis crashed into one of the unoccupied cruisers.

"The Leesburg Police Department reminds motorists that a violation of Virginia’s 'Move Over' Law is not only a crime, but could also be the difference between life and death," authorities said in a news release on Monday.

Virginia's drunken driving laws are among the harshest in the nation, the DMV said. If a driver is convicted for a first DUI offense, the minimum punishment includes a $250 fine and a revocation of the driver's license for one year. A DUI conviction can also require the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Across the country, 28 people die in drunken driving crashes every day, according to the DMV.

Resources are available for people who are struggling with addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a 24/7 hotline that can help people find resources and get the help they need.