OFFICER STRUCK BY DRUNK DRIVER

While on Bike Patrol on Middle Ave Sunday afternoon two Elyria Police Officers had to take evasive actions when an intoxicated male, driving a dump truck, came up behind them driving recklessly.

Officers Constantino and Drake were on Middle Ave between 7th and 8th Street when Randall McDavid sped in behind them traveling northbound. The Officers split off to avoid being struck by the Ford Dump Truck that McDavid was driving. The driver’s side mirror and the dump lever of McDavid’s truck struck Officer Constantino, throwing him to the ground. McDavid ignored the Officers call to stop and continued driving north on Middle Ave. McDavid making his way up and down a couple side streets was eventually stopped by Sgt. Harry Adams in the 1800 block of Middle Ave.

During the stop Officers noticed McDavid had slurred speech and other indicators of an intoxicated driver. McDavid was given and failed a field sobriety test and was then taken into custody. He has been charged with Operating a Vehicle Intoxicated, Reckless Operation and Leaving the Scene.

Lieutenant Andy Eichenlaub said that Officer Constantino was not seriously injured during the incident, only complaining of a sore back.

McDavid was taken to Elyria Memorial Hospital for a blood test and was then booked in and released from the Elyria City Jail. McDavid faces more charges as the investigation continues. There was also a report that McDavid backed his dump truck into another car in the parking garage at Elyria Memorial shortly before he struck the Police Officer. McDavid was a patient in the Emergency Room before he walked out.