A police officer in the US state of Virginia had a lucky escape after an out-of-control vehicle hit a car on the side of the road during a traffic stop in Fairfax County on Monday.
Dashcam footage released yesterday by the Fairfax County Police Department shows the heart-stopping moment when the patrol officer escaped the violent impact.
The officer was talking to the driver of a stationary grey BMW through the passenger window during a routine stop when a black BMW travelling in the opposite direction lost control at a high speed and spun across several lanes.
The 17-year-old driver of the black BMW crossed the median of Fairfax County Parkway, hitting the civilian car and the officer's vehicle, the police department said in a statement.
The officer was clipped as he ran toward the patrol vehicle while the speeding vehicle approached.
"The officer was nearly struck and killed", the police department said, adding that the officer only suffered minor injuries.
The adult driver of the grey BMW was released from the hospital after receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
The teenage driver of the black BMW and its two passengers sustained minor injuries, according to the police. The juvenile was charged with reckless driving.
"The Fairfax County Police Department is relieved that this crash did not result in a tragedy. This is an important reminder that life can change in an instant. It is the driver’s responsibility to drive safely and arrive safely", police said.
