Pinal County deputy hit by drunk driver during traffic stop

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Case Grande Police are investigating a crash that left a Pinal County Sheriff's Office deputy injured.

A Pinal County deputy was conducting a traffic stop on Pinal Avenue by the Casa Grande Airport at 1:08 a.m. Saturday. He was waiting for a tow truck to retrieve an impounded Chevy Blazer.

Casa Grande Police say a Doge pickup truck struck his marked patrol vehicle from behind knocking the deputy towards the airport fence and his Tahoe into the back of the Chevy Blazer.

The deputy suffered non-life threatening injuries and was flown to a Phoenix hospital for treatment. PCSO says he is recovering well.

Police identify the driver of the Dodge as Bryan Whittemore, 32, of Casa Grande. He has been charged with aggravated assault, endangerment, aggravated criminal damage, DUI and reckless driving.