Police Officer Hospitalized After Crash In Naugatuck

NAUGATUCK, CT — A Naugatuck police officer was hospitalized Sunday after another driver went through a stop sign and crashed into the police cruiser, sending it off the road and into a telephone pole, according to officials.

A 23-year-old Naugatuck resident was driving a 2002 Hyundai south on Hillside Avenue and went through the stop sign at the intersection with Millville Avenue. The driver collided with a police cruiser that was heading east on Millville Avenue, officials said.

The collision caused the police cruiser to “fishtail,” go off the road and hit a telephone pole. The cruiser came to a stop about 20 to 30 feet from the initial contact, police said.

The cruiser, which was being operated by Officer Steven Fortin, sustained heavy damage to the driver and passenger rear, according to police.

Fortin was taken to the hospital after experiencing head and neck pain, police said.

“Thankfully Officer Fortin only sustained minor injuries and has returned to duty,” police said in a news release. “The nature of the law enforcement profession increases the likelihood of a police officer being in a collision.”

The driver of the Hyundai, who wasn’t injured, was issued an infraction for failing to obey the stop sign.

“The Naugatuck Police Department reminds the community of the importance of road and highway safety throughout the holiday season,” police said. “The department will continue to participate in various roadway safety initiatives such as ‘click it or ticket’ and distracted driving enforcement in hope of ensuring everyone safe travels.”