CULLMAN —
A City of Cullman police officer is recovering after his patrol car was struck from behind by a drunk driver over the weekend.
According to Assistant Police Chief Craig Green, officer Matt Hollingsworth, who is the brother of City Councilman Clint Hollingsworth, was responding to a call about a prowler in the area of Denson Avenue and 5th Street SW, when the incident occurred.
“Matt was parked on the side of the road speaking with the complainant when the vehicle came through the intersection and hit the back of his patrol car,” Green said.
Authorities arrested the driver of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer that struck the patrol car, Bret Parker Mitchell, 43, of Cullman, and charged him with DUI. He was also issued a ticket for having no proof of insurance.
“After looking into what happened, we determined he was under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs
Green estimated Mitchell was driving 45 miles per hour in a 25 mile-per-hour zone.
Hollingsworth was taken from the scene to Cullman Regional Medical Center for treatment of whiplash-type symptoms, where he was later released.
Green said the department hasn’t gotten an estimate on the amount of damage done to the patrol car yet, but believe it will be totaled.
Mitchell remains in the Cullman County Detention Center on a $1,300 bond.
* Ashley Graves can be reached by phone at 734-2131, ext. 225, or by email at agraves@cullmantimes.com.
* Ashley Graves can be reached by phone at 734-2131, ext. 225, or by email at agraves@cullmantimes.com.
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