NORWALK — A Norwalk Police officer was struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee late Friday night while on duty, leading to a hit-and-run investigation and subsequent arrest for DUI and related charges.
At 11:47 p.m. on Aug. 23, the officer’s vehicle was hit near 205 Main Street by the Jeep, which then fled the scene.
Authorities quickly located the heavily damaged suspect vehicle, which had become disabled close to where the accident occurred.
The officer was transported to Norwalk Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect, identified as Carlos Gavilano, 55, of New Milford, had also struck another vehicle at 157 Main Street before hitting the police cruiser.
The driver of the first vehicle hit declined medical attention for injuries.
Gavilano was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters.
He faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, evading responsibility resulting in serious physical injury, evading responsibility resulting in property damage, and failure to maintain lane.
His bond has been set at $25,000.
