A Pembroke Pines Police squad car was left mangled after authorities say a man driving a Jeep Cherokee drove straight into its path.
The crash happened in the early morning hours at the intersection of Pines Blvd. and Douglas Road.
"It's a huge impact for our agency to have one of our officers involved in such a serious crash. Especially under the circumstances," said Captain Al Xiques of the Pembroke Pines Police Department.
Police said Brandon Jack Ward, 31, was behind the Jeep's wheel and their preliminary investigation shows alcohol appears to have been a factor in the crash.
"We have to wait to obtain the official test results with regards to blood tests and so forth," Xiques said.
Hours after the crash, Officer Ben Burke, 43, remained in the intensive care unit at Memorial Regional Hospital. He is a 19 year veteran at the City of Pembroke Pines Police Department.
"He's suffered several injuries for which he is trying to recover from," Xiques said.
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Ward was also transported to the hospital, but was later released.
"Based on the results of the criminal investigation, whether or not he will be charged criminally is yet to be determined," said Xiques.
It can sometimes take months for the report to come back. Police said their priority is to conduct a thorough investigation.
