Three Atlanta-area police officers were struck by cars in two incidents here early Tuesday morning. Police received a 911 call about two suspicious men trying to break into cars, said Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Deon Washington. Responding officers found the two men, who jumped into a car and sped away. Washington said they struck one of the officers during their escape; the officer was treated at the scene.
The incident in Snellville, about 25 miles east of Atlanta, began about 2 a.m. Tuesday. After an hour-long search, police received a second 911 call about the same men. The caller said they were trying to enter cars in a cul-du-sac about four miles from the first scene. Officers caught up to the suspects, who were inside a black SUV. The SUV barreled toward police, hitting two more officers. Washington said police fired at the SUV, and one of the suspects may have been grazed by a bullet.
The SUV crashed into a fence and utility pole. Both suspects jumped out; the one who may have been grazed was apprehended, but the other managed to get away. The two officers hit by the SUV were taken to a nearby hospital. One officer is treated for a possible broken leg, police said.