In a distressing incident that unfolded on the Mathews Bridge, a drunk driver caused a serious crash involving a Jacksonville Sheriff's Office patrol car last Thursday. According to a social media post by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the event took place early in the morning when Officer H. Melvin had been assisting two men with a tire change on a disabled vehicle.
The officer had parked his vehicle behind theirs and had activated his emergency lights to ensure visibility and safety. Unexpectedly, a pickup truck, driven by 30-year-old Aleksandr Bratulin struck the rear of the patrol car. This collision initiated a chain-reaction, resulting in one of the motorists being trapped between two vehicles. "As the men were finishing changing the tire, a pickup truck suddenly slammed into the back of Officer Melvin’s police car," the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office recounted the events leading to several injuries.
In the wake of the crash, Officer Melvin reacted swiftly. He called for rescue and managed to stop the rolling pickup truck, finding Bratulin and his passenger unconscious. After halting the truck from its backward descent by shifting it into park, Officer Melvin attended to the injured motorist. Two men were seriously injured in the incident and subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment, while Officer Melvin sustained minor injuries himself.
Following the incident, additional officers arrived on the scene and conducted an investigation which led to the arrest of Bratulin. He now faces multiple charges, including six counts of DUI with property damage and/or personal injury, driving under the influence, careless driving, and failure to move over for an emergency vehicle. "Bratulin faces six counts of DUI with property damage and/or personal injury," informed the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge the public to remember the dangers of driving while intoxicated, especially as the New Year begins.
As a stark reminder of the consequences of impaired driving, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office concluded their message with a firm warning: "Remember: Drive sober or get pulled over. Lives are on the line."
