CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A West Chicago man is behind bars after police said he was involved in a hit-and-run with an officer Tuesday morning in Batavia.
The 22-year-old Geneva police officer had stopped a speeding car near Fabyan Parkway in Batavia just after 5 a.m.
“While the Geneva officer was out of his vehicle making contact with the violator, another vehicle, unrelated to the traffic stop, ending up clipping the Geneva officer on the arm,” Batavia Deputy Police Chief Shawn Mazza said. “That caused him to spin and fall to the ground.”
Mazza said the officer was able to reach his radio to call for help, and even describe the suspect’s vehicle.
“Our officers were able to locate the white Volkswagen minivan,” Mazza said. “It actually wasn’t too far from where the scene of the incident occurred. It was just sitting in a parking lot.”
Bartolo Martinez-Lopez, 53, of West Chicago was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury and numerous other offenses.
The police officer, 22, was evaluated for injuries at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva and released.
Mazza said the incident highlights the dangers officers face on a daily basis, and urged drivers to follow “Scott’s Law” when approaching emergency vehicles.
“You’re trying to pay attention and focus on the traffic stop, but at the same time, you’re also trying to watch what’s going on around you. It’s tough," he said.