SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A Sandy Springs police officer and a K-9 officer are recovering at home after surviving a crash involving a suspected drunk driver on the interstate.
Police said at around 11 p.m. Sunday, a Sandy Springs patrol car was hit “at a high rate of speed” by 57-year-old Apolinar Mondragon Lucas in the area of Interstate 285 East near Peachtree-Dunwoody Road.
Authorities said the officer was assisting in a lane closure and the patrol car’s emergency equipment lights were activated and “fully visible.”
The officer and the K-9 officer were taken to the hospital and veterinarian where they were treated for their injuries. The officer suffered a concussion in the crash and the K-9 had non-life threatening injuries.
They were released hours later.
The patrol car was severely damaged in the crash, police say.
Lucas is charged with DUI, failure to maintain lane, having a suspended vehicle registration, driving while unlicensed and Move Over Law violation.
Sandy Springs police reminded drivers of the dangers of drinking and driving.
“This is yet another reminder of the seriousness and dangers of drunk driving and its implications. If you plan on drinking and need to get somewhere, please use services such as Uber, Lyft or call a friend. Doing these simple things can save a life, including your own,” the department wrote on Facebook.