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Suspected drunk driver runs over Gwinnett officer while trying to get away

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A Gwinnett County police officer and an investigator from the District Attorney’s Office are being treated for their injuries after being hit by a van.

Gwinnett police said the collision happened in the parking lot of Chiquititas Lounge, located in the 4000 block of Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Norcross, around 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

Lt. Restrepo and the investigator were trying to stop a man from driving who they thought was intoxicated.

Police say the suspect backed up his van, knocking Restrepo to the ground with the driver’s door. The suspect pulled forward to drive away, running over Restrepo while he was on the ground.

Officers found the van in a nearby neighborhood.

The suspect ran away and with the help of K-9 officers, was later caught and arrested.

The officer and investigator were taken to a hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The suspect, whose name was not released, was also taken to the hospital.

He could face charges of aggravated assault, felony obstruction and fleeing and eluding, police said.