Drunk Camaro Driver Runs Over a COP ..!!
Local Camaro Driver makes BIG Mistake!
Saw this on the TV news last night: It appeared to be a pewter SS.
A Ridgeland police officer is in good condition after a hit and run Wednesday night. Police say patrolman Jason Barnes is now walking around and in good spirits.
The story began Wednesday night at Buffalo Wild Wings around 8:00pm. Charlotte Taylor noticed a Camaro driving erratically in the parking lot. Moments later, a Ridgland police officer appeared. She says he reached into the erratic driver's car.
"I guess he was trying to turn the ignition off," she says. "He wasn't successful. The guy sat there for a minute; that's when he swerved." Patrolman Jason Barnes, a nearly 10 year veteran, was struck.
36 year-old Wes Burkhalter of Jackson and his 16 year-old son fled the scene in the high powered Camaro. Another officer spotted the car speeding down Old Canton Road. That officer arrested Burkhalter.
The impact of the crash apparently shattered part of the front windshield. Police still don't know if the driver intentionaly hit Barnes. But they're sure he knew what had happened.
"The damage to the vehicle is right in the center of the windsheild and I think if you run over a person you will definately know it," says Lt. John Neal.
Fellow Ridgeland officers gathered at St. Dominic's hospital. Patrolman Barnes is said to be in good condition.
"The first word I got is that we had an officer down," Neal says. "He is ok."
Barnes returned from Iraq about a year ago. Police say he worked for a private security company there.
Charlotte Taylor's truck was hit during the exchange. She says she thought the patrolman's injuries would be much worse. "The cop was laying flat on his back. I don't know how he got up but he did."
Wes Burkhalter will be charged with aggravted assault of an officer and leaving the scene of an accident. Tests will be done to deterime if he was drunk. Police say right they will likely not charge Burkhalter's 16-year-old son.
