Associated Press
BIG SPRING, Tex. — A police officer suffered severe cuts and bruises after a woman he had arrested struck him with his unmarked police car, authorities said.
Big Spring Police Chief Lonnie Smith said Tuesday that Lt. Lance Telchik was hit early Sunday after stopping a woman who had an outstanding warrant on a motion to revoke probation.
After putting handcuffs on Heather Atkinson, 27, of Big Spring, and her passenger, Telchik returned to their car to lock it and wait for a marked patrol car to transport the women to jail, Smith said.
The unmarked car did not have a screen between the front and back seats. Telchik knew something was awry when he looked up and saw his car moving, Smith said.
Atkinson, still handcuffed, hit Telchik with the car before driving off, authorities said.
Telchik used his portable radio to call for help and officers found the car crashed into a guardrail not far from where the officer had arrested the women.
The women had fled on foot but were captured a short time later by Howard County sheriff’s deputies, still in handcuffs.
Telchik was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released.
Atkinson remained in the Howard County Jail on Tuesday, charged with escape and causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle and driving with an invalid license. Her bail was set at $54,500. The passenger, Maria Hernandez, 21, of Hobbs, N.M., remained jailed with bail set at $2,000.