Trooper hurt when suspected drunk driver crashes into patrol car

MILLER COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper was hurt late Saturday after an alleged drunk driver crashed into the back of a patrol vehicle in Miller County.

The crash happened on southbound Route C near Highway 42 just after 11:35 p.m., according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Brian K. Farrow, 51, of Brumley, Missouri, drove his car off of the road several times, hit a mailbox and struck the back of the parked patrol car, the patrol reported.

Cpl. Benjamin Blankenbeker, 42, of Jefferson City, was taken to Lake Regional Hospital with moderate injures and later released. He was wearing a seat belt, according to the crash report.

Farrow refused medical treatment at the scene. Troopers said it was unknown if he was wearing a seat belt.

Troopers arrested Farrow on suspicion of driving while intoxicated causing serious physical injury to a law enforcement officer and careless and imprudent driving that resulted in a crash.

Charges had not been filed Monday morning.

Troopers said the crash caused an estimated $20,000 in damage to the patrol car.