Columbia Police Officer Injured When Struck By Vehicle Of Alleged DUI Suspect
A Columbia Police Officer was injured just minutes after reporting for duty Saturday night when he was struck by a vehicle driven by a DUI suspect who was attempting to flee from the officer. CPD Chief Jason Cross told WJRS NEWS that Officer Josh Brockman had just came on-duty around 9:45 p.m. when he observed a vehicle matching the description of a possible drunk driver which had just been dispatched to officers. After temporarily losing sight of the vehicle, Officer Brockman observed it in the parking lot of Burton Stone on East Highway 80. Chief Cross said Officer Brockman approached the vehicle, noticing the suspected driver, Donald Bearden of Columbia, standing outside the vehicle. While Officer Brockman was attempting to talk with Bearden, he ran to his vehicle and attempted to take off. Officer Brockman attempted to prevent Bearden from leaving and was dragged several feet before getting free. Chief Cross said Bearden then came toward Officer Brockman, striking him with his vehicle, prompting Officer Brockman to fire shots at Bearden and his vehicle. According to the police report, Bearden then turned and came after the Officer again, barely missing him. The vehicle then stopped. At that time, Adair County Deputy Sheriff Aaron Rainwater arrived and Bearden as well as a passenger, Ron Litteral, also of Columbia, were taken into custody. Officer Brockman was transported by the Adair County EMS to Westlake Regional Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and later released. Neither Bearden nor Litteral were struck by the Officer’s shots, however, Bearden was taken to the hospital for evaluation before being lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail. Bearden is charged with Assault 1st Degree on a Police Officer, Wanton Endangerment, DUI, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct. Litteral was charged with Public Intoxication.
