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Orlando officer leaving DUI patrol briefing hit by drunken driver, police say

An Orlando officer leaving a DUI saturation patrol meeting was hit by a drunken driver suspect, police said.

 

ORLANDO, Fla. — A police officer in Orlando, Florida, was involved in a crash Friday evening with a drunken driving suspect not long after leaving a briefing at the University of Central Florida in Orlando about DUI saturation patrols, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

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The FHP said Dominick Edward Mendoza, 38, who was driving a pickup truck, pulled out in front of the officer, causing the patrol car to hit the truck.

Investigators said another vehicle was also struck in the crash.

"The Orlando police officer received minor injuries," FHP Lt. Kim Montes said. "Troopers have arrested Mr. Mendoza for DUI."

Troopers said they believe Mendoza was under the influence of both drugs and alcohol.

"The OPD officer had just finished a briefing, along with other police officers and troopers, at UCF for a DUI saturation patrol," Montes said.

No other details were given.