Hamilton officers struck during RIDE check ‘on the mend,’ police chief says

Two Hamilton police officers who were struck during a RIDE check on New Year's Eve are recovering from their serious injuries, Chief Frank Bergen says.

They both are at home. They both are on the mend," Bergen told city councillors during a budget presentation Thursday.

The young officers were left unconscious after a driver in an SUV pulled out of a RIDE check lane on the Claremont Access, drove through a checkpoint and hit them.

One has two broken wrists, which are in casts, and a multiple compound fracture on one leg, Bergen said.

After surgeries, she has challenges ahead," but has an amazing" heart and looks forward to returning to work.

The second officer has severely damaged legs," both with multiple compound fractures, including on the lower parts and knees, Bergen said.

He has a very large challenge ahead of him."

Bergen praised officers for their resilience" and dedication to duty, as well as the warmth" of the police and community response.

Police have connected the Dec. 31 collision to a report of a driver spotted asleep at the wheel with a bong on her lap at Fennell Avenue East and Hoover Crescent around 2 p.m. that day.

The driver of the red 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe allegedly took off after officers approached the SUV but rammed a cruiser and was seen heading south on Upper James Street.

Around 10:55 p.m., the same SUV allegedly fled the RIDE lane on the Claremont Access before striking the officers, police said.

Hannah Pietrantuono, 19, of Hamilton faces several charges, including criminal negligence causing bodily harm, impaired operation of a vehicle, resisting arrest and flight from a peace officer.

Teviah Moro is a reporter at The Spectator. tmoro@thespec.com