Officer struck by car while on foot pursuit

A man is behind bars Wednesday night after police said he disobeyed orders from an officer leading to a scuffle and were both hit by a vehicle on Imperial and Scott Avenue the night before.

42-year old Joel Obeso was arrested and accused of being the suspect who fled the scene.

Commander Aaron Reel of the El Centro Police Department said, “The in-car video from the officer, he is seen limping away from the location of the actual accident itself. ”

Police said Officer Daniel Crankshaw was trying to stop Obeso when he fled on his bike. Crankshaw then physically tried to stop him which led to a struggle in the street.

“During the course of the scuffle, there was a driver who was southbound in the lane in which they were laying in and struck both the officer and the suspect,” said Reel.

First responders jumped into action and gave the officer medical aid.

Reel said, “Crankshaw was flown to Desert Regional Medical Center [and was] treated for his injuries. ”

Authorities said Obeso could be facing charges.

Reel added, “The fact that the suspect did not comply, injuries were as a result. [He] fled the scene of an accident, there are multiple criminal charges that we’re investigating at this point.”

Crankshaw was released earlier Wednesday and is currently recovering from minor injuries.

The driver that hit both the officer and suspect cooperated with police and was not cited.