The Birmingham Police Department reports that its patrol officers were injured by a DUI driver on December 5. According to BPD, 911 Communications Division received a call about a traffic accident in the 6500 block of 1st Avenue North involving two vehicles and a BPD patrol vehicle.

BPD has identified the suspect as 56-year-old Roger Smith. Police say an East Precinct wreck investigator responded to the scene and learned that Smith was allegedly driving a 2020 KIA Amanti when he crashed into two BPD East Precinct patrol officers.

The officers were stopped at a traffic light in the 6500 block of 1st Avenue North. BPD says the crash cause the officer’s patrol vehicle to collide with a third vehicle. The officers were transported to UAB Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Roger Smith was taken into custody under the suspicion he was driving under the influence. On December 6, Smith was charged with Driving Under the Influence (Alcohol). BPD says both officers are recovering.