Two Bridgeport police officers were injured in a crash with a car fleeing police on Christmas Day.
The crash occurred on Park Avenue near University Avenue by the University of Bridgeport on Tuesday evening. The officers were responding to assist on a call after a driver took off as other officers tried to pull him over. The fleeing car broadsided the police cruiser, injuring both officers inside.
Officer Roderick Doda, a 10-year-veteran of the force, suffered the most serious injuries. He was admitted to the ICU at St. Vincent's Hospital with head injuries and a fractured vertebra, according to police.
Officer Eric Schneider, who has been with the Department for nearly two years, was also admitted to St. Vincent's Hospital with cuts to his head and other injuries.
According to police, officers responded to the 400 block of Wood Street Tuesday evening on an unrelated call when they saw a silver Honda driving at a high rate of speed. The driver ran red lights and stop signs as police tried to catch up to the car, investigators said.
The Honda collided with the police cruiser occupied by Officers Doda and Schneider on Park Avenue.
Police identified the driver of the Honda as Josue Jimenez, 18, of Bridgeport. He suffered facial injuries and a right leg injury in the crash, police said.
The passenger in the Honda was identified as Antonio Lostaunau, 21, of Bridgeport. He suffered a left leg injury in the crash.
Police expect to charge Jimenez when they wrap up their investigation into the crash. Lostaunau was issued a misdemeanor summons for interfering with a police officer and failure to wear a seatbelt.
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