Middletown police officer injured when stolen vehicle crashes into cruiser

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, though the driver fled the scene.

The suspect continued north on Tytus Avenue, attempting to turn left on Eldora Drive, where they collided with a police cruiser.

The police officer in the cruiser sustained injuries during the incident and was transported to Atrium Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. The officer has since been released.

Occupants of the stolen vehicle fled on foot, and one suspect was later arrested, according to a police statement. There is a warrant out for the other’s arrest.

Both suspects are minors, according to the traffic crash report.

Last week, a total of six cars were either stolen or attempted to be stolen in the Wicklow Drive area of Sawyers Mill subdivision in Middletown, according to Middletown police.

A “couple” more cars were stolen over the weekend, according to Police Chief Earl Nelson.

Nelson said police are working to stop and deter additional car thefts.

Efforts include “more visible” patrolling in the areas of town where cars have been stolen from to “overwhelm the area with cops.”

This can be difficult, as Nelson says the thefts have not been isolated to one part of the city.

Middletown police recommend moving personal items and keys out of cars and making sure car doors are locked.