Italy police officer hit by car along I-35E

DALLAS - An officer from the Italy Police Department was hit by a pickup truck and rushed to the hospital Monday morning.

The accident happened around 6:30 a.m. about two miles north of the Highway 34 interchange on Interstate 35E in Ellis County.

Department of Public Safety Staff Sgt. Sara Warren said the officer had gone to clear debris that was slowing down traffic. The driver of a white pickup truck wasn’t paying attention and didn’t notice the officer until it was too late.

The driver slammed on the brakes, went into a skid and unfortunately struck the officer on the shoulder of the interstate, Warren said.

"Please, pay attention to your driving and what's up ahead of you that way you can brake appropriately," she said.

The officer was taken to Methodist Dallas Medical Center by ground ambulance. His injuries are not life-threatening.

The driver who hit the officer was not hurt and is expected to face misdemeanor charges.

Northbound I-35E was shut down at Hwy. 34 for a few hours so that state troopers could investigate. All lanes of the interstate have since reopened.