Charges filed against driver accused of nearly running over police officer during Light Up Night

PITTSBURGH — Charges have been filed against a driver who is accused of nearly hitting a police officer during Light Up Night on Friday.

Police had a zero-tolerance policy for anyone who chose to break the law during Light Up Night, and that is why Adam Martin is sitting behind bars at the Allegheny County Jail.

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And it all started with a stop for directions.

An Allegheny County Sheriff's Deputy was working a traffic control post for Light Up Night around 7:30 p.m. when Martin stopped his car at the intersection of Duquesne Boulevard and Stanwix Street to ask him for directions, according to police paperwork.

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The deputy told Martin, who is from Erie, to pull over to the side out of the flow of traffic.

When Martin moved forward, the deputy said he saw the passenger in the car try to hand Martin a bottle of vodka. As Martin passed the deputy, he swerved, hitting him in the knee.

Police said Martin didn't stop, so the deputy chased him through the intersection before he stopped.

Once he stopped, police took Martin into custody. He is facing several charges, including aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, and driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

Cox Media Group