x
Breaking News
More () »

Alleged drunk driver hits 2 people rescuing hurt puppy in Moline

Police said an intoxicated driver told them he did not realize he hit a police officer and another man, as they were rescuing a puppy, in Moline, Illinois.
WQAD Photo by Anna Greene

Police said an intoxicated driver told them he did not realize he hit a police officer and another man, as they were rescuing a puppy, in Moline, Illinois.

The officer had just retrieved a puppy that had been struck by another vehicle, according to Moline Police Department Public Information Officer Detective Scott Williams.  The officer and a 20-year-old man were both off “well off the roadway” when a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe hit both of them in the 1200 block of 12th Avenue at about 10 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2015, Williams said.

Related:  Driver accused of hitting pedestrian and clipping police car in Moline

The Tahoe left the scene and was stopped when it allegedly struck a Moline Police car in the 600 block of 15th Avenue.  The driver, 64-year-old Patrick Whitcanack of East Moline, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, fleeing and eluding, aggravated battery, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, Williams said. Court records showed Whitcanack was also cited for improper lane usage and leaving the scene of an accident.

Court records showed the fleeing and battery charges were felonies; the DUI allegation is a misdemeanor.  Whitcanack appeared in Rock Island County Court Monday, March 2, 2015, and he was appointed a public defender.  Jail records showed Whitcanack was released after posting $25,000 bond at the Rock Island County Jail.

The injured officer was treated at the scene for minor injuries.  The 20-year-old man was taken to a local hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries, and his condition was unknown, Williams said.  The puppy died.

Alleged drunk driver hits 2 people rescuing hurt puppy in Moline

 

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out