HPD officer injured in crash, other driver arrested for third DUI

A Hopkinsville police officer was injured in a two-vehicle accident Monday night and the other driver was arrested for his third DUI.

The collision report from Hopkinsville police says 42-year old Daron Bell of Hopkinsville was eastbound on East Second Street a few minutes after 7 p.m. and failed to stop at the stop sign at South Virginia Street.

The front of Bell’s car struck the side of an HPD cruiser driven by 32-year old Officer Alexander Cortez.

Officer Cortez was taken to Jennie Stuart Medical Center for whip lash and a bruised left hand.

Bell was not injured and an arrest citation says he was manifestly under the influence of alcohol. He failed field sobriety tests and registered a blood alcohol content of .171—over twice the legal limit.

Bell was arrested for his third DUI, driving on a suspended license and possession of a suspended license.