Osage Beach police officer uninjured after being hit by alleged drunk driver

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An Osage Beach police officer was not hurt when his cruiser was hit by an alleged drunk driver early Saturday, the police department said in a news release.

Officer Stephen Wright was driving west in the passing lane on Highway 54 when a Nissan Altima came onto the highway from Osage Beach Parkway, according to the release. The driver, Steven P. Deluca of Spring Hill, Florida, tried to make a U-turn and drive east in the westbound lanes but hit Wright's patrol vehicle on its passenger side, the Osage Beach Police Department says.

Police say Deluca tried to get away by driving up the highway on-ramp. Wright caught up to him after the crash. A breath test showed Deluca's blood-alcohol content was .130.

Deluca was charged in Camden County with felony leaving the scene of an accident and two misdemeanors -- DWI and careless driving. Deluca posted bond and was given an April 1 court date.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the crash.