Drunk Driver Strikes Gwinnett County Officer With Van: Police

NORCROSS, GA—A Gwinnett County police officer and an investigator from the district attorney’s office are recovering from their injuries after police say a man struck them with his van in the Chiquititas Lounge parking lot in Norcross around 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

GCPD Lieutenant Restrepo and the DA Investigator attempted to stop Ivan Montalvo, 26, of Lawrenceville from driving because they believed he was intoxicated, police said.

Officers said Montalvo backed up his van, knocking Lt Restrepo to the ground with the driver’s door. The suspect pulled forward to flee the scene, running over the officer on the ground.

Police said officers from the West Precinct located the van in a nearby residential area. Because Montalvo fled on foot, a perimeter was established and K-9 officers were dispatched. Montalvo was eventually located, placed under arrest and booked into the Gwinnett County jail. He's charged with:

• Aggravated Assault against a Law Enforcement Officer – 2 counts
• Aggravated Battery against a Law Enforcement Officer – 1 count
• DUI – 1 count
• Hit and Run (Serious Injury) – 1 count
• Obstruction (felony) – 2 counts
• Fleeing or Eluding – 1 count
• No License – 1 count

The officers were transported to the hospital for treatment. None of the injuries are life-threatening, police said. Lt. Restrepo is currently home resting and recovering.