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(WJBK) - A Detroit police officer was critically injured after being struck in a hit-and-run crash Saturday morning, after dispersing a crowd after a party near McNichols Road and Stahelin Avenue, on the city's west side.
“He went right up in the air, the police officer went right up in the air,” witness Joy Smith said.
The 30-year-old officer with Detroit Police just one year this month. They were responding to a large crowd gathered for a vigil at McNichols near Stahelin.
The driver in an SUV sped between the officer's cars disregarding their flashing lights.
“We were in disbelief the whole time,” Smith said.
That 19-year-old driver sped off, police say he was going around 70 miles per hour!
Fellow DPD officers came to their brother's rescue after he was hit.
“They pulled up, put him in the car and took him to the hospital,” Smith said.
The driver turned himself in to police Saturday afternoon, however it's too early to know if he was under the influence.
Detroit Police aren't releasing the officer's name but they tell us he is in extremely critical condition on life support.
“As the doctors described when there is head trauma it can go any way that's why it's important to keep praying,” DPD Chief James Craig said.
“A 30-year-old man hooked up to a breathing tube, and I have a 30-year-old son, I’d react how any father would,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said.
Chief James Craig says in just one year with the department he's made his mark already.
“He’s described as outstanding officer upbeat, always a positive attitude,” Chief Craig said.
The officer married one month ago, has his new wife and family by his bedside at Sinai Grace Hospital.
“We are all asking for prayers of full recovery of this young man,” Chief Craig said.