Peoria officer struck, injured by rubbernecking motorist

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Brent Whiting

The Arizona Republic

For the second time this week, a Peoria police officer has been injured while working on a traffic crash.

The officer was struck by a rubbernecking motorist Friday morning while helping to clear a two-vehicle crash at 75th and Northern avenues, authorities said.

Officer Matt LeBaron, 32, an eight-year member of the Peoria force, was transported to a Phoenix hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

"He is showing no signs of broken bones," said Mike Tellef, a Peoria police spokesman. "The officer is alert and talking with everyone."

The motorist, who was behind the wheel of a pickup truck, told police that he was busy looking at the crash and didn't even see LeBaron, who was standing in the roadway, Tellef said.

On Wednesday, Officer Daniel Ortiz-Robles, a 20-year police veteran, suffered a minor knee injury while assisting with a collision at 107th Avenue and Beardsley Road.

Tellef said that both incidents serve as grim reminders that motorists need to slow down when approaching crash scenes.

"And they also need to pay close attention to what's happening," Tellef said.

He said Friday's incident occurred while the officer was directing traffic around a two-vehicle crash that resulted in significant damage to both cars, but no serious injuries.

The officer was struck about 6 a.m. by the driver of a pickup who was heading west on Northern Avenue, he said.

The crash, as well as the injury to the officer, remained under investigation, Tellef added.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/peoria/...cident0111.html

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I make it a point not to rubberneck. Do you?

(directed at all, not just you Steven)

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I make it a point not to rubberneck. Do you?

(directed at all, not just you Steven)

Same here. I wish they'd write tickets for rubber-necking. Nosy bastards.