Things got dicey for police officers in Maryland as they tried to stop a criminal in a stolen truck. They noticed the box truck was driving erratically and tried to initiate a traffic stop. However, one officer was struck during the process. 

Police officer hit by criminal in a truck

A 29-year-old police officer was patrolling in an unmarked car around 11:23 am when a box truck sped by him. The driver was weaving through traffic he dangerously putting other drivers at risk. 

The officer tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver fled. Then the box truck refused to stop, even as it hit a mail truck and several other cars. 

During the police chase, the box truck got on Interstate 95, and Maryland State Police, along with other agencies, joined the pursuit. An officer was putting out stop sticks as the vehicle went the wrong way on the southbound lanes, striking him.

According to WBALT TV, the vehicle crashed into the woods, and the driver got away. Investigators found a container of cooking oil in the back. It was stolen from an Applebee’s in Aberdeen. 

It can be profitable for criminals to enter a business, steal the used cooking oil, and sell it for cash. No one was injured in any of the collisions that occurred. 

The police officer who was hit by the truck was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He is alert and able to converse with his family. Witnesses and bystanders rushed to provide help for others involved in accidents.