The incident happened at 12:45 a.m. when an officer made a traffic stop because of a motor vehicle violation. The officer was standing next to the vehicle when the driver accelerated, striking the officer with the vehicle as he fled.
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The officer was taken to UNC Nash Healthcare and was later released with non-life-threatening injuries.
"The men and women of the Rocky Mount Police Department are dedicated to creating a safe city while upholding the laws of North Carolina, and while each officer accepts the dangers of this profession, ensuring the safety of all RMPD employees is a priority," Rocky Mount Police Chief Robert Hassell said.
The driver was identified as Kevin Cooper, 32. He faces charges of assault on a law enforcement officer, assault with a deadly weapon, resisting a public officer and failing to stop at a red light.
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Police did not release the type of vehicle Cooper was driving.
Anyone with information on Cooper's whereabouts is asked to call the Rocky Mount Police Department at (252) 972-1411, Text-A-Tip, or call Twin Counties CrimeStoppers at (252)-977-1111.