Officers Escape Serious Injuries After Patrol Cars Hit by Suspected Drunk Drivers (AUDIO)

HEAR THIS STORY AND MORE SALEM-AREA NEWS FROM SALEM-NEWS.COM`S KEVIN HAYS ON NEWSRADIO 1190 KEX.

Eric Gilmore faces several charges relating to the ramming of a Keizer Police car over the weekend Photo: Keizer Police

(SALEM) - Two public safety officers escaped serious injuries this weekend after their patrol cars were hit by suspected drunk drivers.

Keizer police Stg. David LeDay`s patrol car was rammed by 19-year-old Eric Gilmore`s 1985 GMC Jimmy early Saturday morning at Arcade Court and Larchwood Street NE.

The incident occurred when LeDay attempted stop Gilmore on suspected drunken driving. Gilmore fled Leday`s pursuit, and turned down a cul-de-sac.

Leday parked his patrol car at the entrance to the cul-de-sac, Gilmore turned around, and hit Leday`s car head-on. Gilmore fled on foot.

On Sunday, Gilmore turned himself in to authorities at his southeast Salem home.

He was booked into the Marion County Jail on Eluding a Police Officer (Vehicle), Eluding a Police Officer (On foot), Hit and Run Injury, Assaulting a Public Safety Officer, Second Degree Assault and First Degree Criminal Mischief.

Bail is set at $65,000.

Marion County Sheriff`s Deputy Ron Cerghino`s patrol car was totaled after 38-year-old Troy Ferschweiler, of Gervais, hit it with the back of his 1999 Dodge Pickup on Butteville Road NE.

Ferschweiler was booked at the Marion County Jail on drunken driving charges.

Related articles:

Driver in Keizer Police Hit and Run Arrested: salem-news.com/articles/june182006/keizer_suspect_arrest_61806.php

Keizer Police Cruiser Smashed in Pursuit: salem-news.com/articles/june172006/keizer_pursuit_61706.php

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