Topsham Police Cruiser Hit By Allegedly Impaired Driver

The Topsham Police Department has posted a picture of an injured officer on its Facebook page as a reminder not to drink and drive, after one of the department's cruisers was struck by an allegedly impaired driver.

Officer Shirland suggested that the picture of himself in a neck brace be shared on Facebook, as a reminder to others not to drink while impaired. Shirland had gone to investigate reports of a suspected impaired driver at around 3:00 in the afternoon on Sunday. He went to I-295 to try and find the vehicle, but the driver found him when they drove into the back of Shirland's cruiser.

The driver was taken to the police station and the officer was taken to the hospital to get checked out. He was released and is expected to be okay, but it could have been much worse. Especially when you're talking about a main thoroughfare in the middle of Sunday afternoon.

Kudos to Officer Shirland for suggesting that the post would be a great way to remind folks of a basic safety tip: Never, ever, drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs.