A Calgary police officer was injured Friday night after an alleged impaired driver crashed into their parked patrol vehicle during a traffic stop on Stoney Tr. S.E.
The collision occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. near 88 S. S.E. The officer was inside the marked police car with emergency lights activated when a white 2015 Dodge Caravan struck the vehicle from behind at an unknown speed.
The impact caused significant damage to the police vehicle, and emergency crews had to extract the officer from the car. They were transported to the hospital with minor, non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash also caused the police car to hit the vehicle involved in the initial traffic stop. The driver of that vehicle was not injured.
The driver of the Dodge Caravan, 37-year-old Nolan Taylor Watt, was taken into custody at the scene. He has been charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams, and impaired operation causing bodily harm.
Watt is scheduled to appear in court on May 6.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with officer-based traffic enforcement for police and all road users on high-speed, high-volume roadways,” said Chief Constable Mark Neufeld.
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to call 403-266-1234 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
