By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — A township police officer, assigned to a drunk driving enforcement detail, suffered non-life threatening injuries when his patrol car was struck by a driver who was later determined to be under the influence of alcohol, according to the Police Department.
Police Sgt. Michael McMahon had just completed an investigation of a motorist around 8:30 p.m. Nov. 25 on Route 1 north, just north of Fisher Place, and was climbing back into the patrol car when the accident occurred, police said.
Sgt. McMahon’s Ford Explorer patrol car had all of its emergency lights still flashing when it was struck from the rear by a northbound Mercedes-Benz ML 350 sport utility vehicle, police said. The Mercedes-Benz left the scene, driving around the patrol car.
Although Sgt. McMahon was injured, he chased the Mercedes-Benz and caught up with it near Harrison Street. He stopped the vehicle and its driver, and additional police officers arrived at the scene, police said.
The driver of the Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle was identified as Brian T. Sassman, 39, of Princeton. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by auto, leaving the scene of an accident and failure to report an accident.
Mr. Sassman was also charged with making an unsafe lane change, reckless driving, careless driving and failure to exhibit a registration card. He was also found to have an outstanding warrant for $164 from South Brunswick Township Municipal Court.
Sgt. McMahon was taken to the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro by Squad 145, where it was determined that his injuries were considered non-life threatening, police said.
