Bethel Park police officer hit by suspected drunk driver
A Bethel Park police was hit by a car during a traffic stop Wednesday night.
Police arrested Richard Anthony Caporal, 67, of Bethel Park for the incident. He faces felony charges of aggravated assault, aggravated assault by vehicle, and misdemeanors of driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license and accidents involving death or personal injury.
According to the criminal complaint, police pulled over a car in the 2700 block of South Park Road at about 8:40 p.m. Wednesday. Caporal was driving west on South Park Road when he struck the officer.
Caporal pulled over, and police reported an odor of alcohol coming from his car. Though there was heavy rain and strong winds, Caporal agreed to a sobriety test.
According to court records, Caporal was arrested and transported to St. Clair Hospital for a blood draw.
Police did not identify the officer who was hit. According to Bethel Park police, he suffered only minor injuries.
District Judge Thomas Brletic sent Caporal to the Allegheny County Jail on $5,000 bond.