Elgin OPP officer struck by fleeing vehicle during traffic stop

An Elgin County police officer is in hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a driver fleeing a traffic stop.

On Sunday morning at around 10:45 a.m., the officer saw a suspicious vehicle driving on Hwy. 3 between Centennial Avenue and First Avenue in St. Thomas, Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police officials said. The officer pulled the driver over and during the interaction, the driver drove away, striking the officer with the vehicle while fleeing.

The OPP was able to track down the vehicle later on and the suspect is now in police custody while the investigation continues. OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk provided a video update on the incident, acknowledging the "good Samaritans" who helped the officer.

"We just wanted to simply say 'Thank you' for everything you did for that officer today," he said.

The injured officer remains in hospital in serious, but non-life threatening condition.

Police are asking anyone with information or video footage related to the collision to contact them.