Officer injured in early morning crash

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A Sioux Falls police officer escaped serious injury when his patrol car was broadsided by a vehicle at Eighth and Minnesota early Wednesday morning.

     Lieutenant Matt Burns says 21 year old Samuel James Landberg drove through the red light and hit the squad car in the passenger side rear panel.

     Burns says the 50 year old officer, who's name was not released, was hospitalized for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.  He says from time to time, just because they're out there 24 hours a day, officers do get struck.  He says they are hit when in motion and when stopped.  He says it's a fact of life in their business.  It's unfortunate but it does happen.            

     Burns says Landberg is charged with D-W-I first, failure to stop and failure to maintain financial responsibility for his Chevy Malibu.

     Damage to the police cruiser is estimated at $5,000 and damage to the Malibu is estimated at $8,000.