An Indiana state trooper was critically injured Saturday night when a suspected drunk driver struck him while helping a car get stuck on an interstate to replace a flat tire, authorities said.
Officer Azaria Keith stopped to help a broken down vehicle on a curve on Interstate 65 in Indianapolis around 8:45 p.m., Indiana State Police said. The car was stopped at a bend on the narrow left shoulder of the roadway, so a second officer was dispatched to block traffic in the left lane.
According to police, Keith had just finished changing a tire and was putting his equipment in the trunk when a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, which appeared to be traveling at high speed, struck the second officer's car, which was blocking traffic. It is said that he deviated from the surrounding area.
Authorities said the driver of the SUV lost control and crashed into a concrete median, hitting the rear of Keith and his patrol car.
Miami-Dade shootout: 1 man killed, 3 officers hospitalized after clash with squatter suspect carrying shotgun
Police Officer Azaria Keith was seriously injured Saturday night when she was hit by a suspected drunk driver. (Indiana State Police)
Keith was seriously injured in the accident. A second police officer assisted Keith while waiting for an ambulance at the scene. Keith was then rushed to a local hospital, where his condition was listed as stable but in serious condition.
The driver of the SUV, 22, was arrested on preliminary charges of driving under the influence causing serious bodily injury. (Indiana State Police)
The driver of the SUV was identified as Armandeep Singh, 22, of Indianapolis, according to state police.
California police officer unknowingly walks into armed robbery of 7-Eleven: video
Singh was arrested on preliminary charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and causing serious bodily injury. He was treated at a hospital and then transported to the Marion County Jail.
Officer Azaria Keith was stabilized at the hospital in critical condition. (Indiana State Police)
Singh underwent a field sobriety test and later had blood drawn, but police said the results of those tests are not yet available.
Click to get the FOX News app
Whether charges will actually be filed against Singh will be determined by the Marion County Prosecutor's Office after reviewing the case.
