Meriden Police Officer Hit by Car - Update

Meriden Police have confirmed that an officer was hit by a car – and thrown onto its hood – Friday night during a routine traffic stop.

Officer Alan Ganter was treated for head, neck and back injuries at Hartford Hospital Friday night after being struck by a Toyota Corolla as he was returning to his squad car at the intersection of West Main and North First Street. He was released.

At about 9:30 p.m. Friday, officers conducted a motor vehicle stop at the intersection, according to a report by Lt. Thomas Cossette, Commander of the Accident Reconstruction Team.

Following the stop, Ganter crossed West Main to speak to a group of men that had gathered nearby. He then crossed the street again to reach his squad car, when he was hit by a Toyota Corolla that was headed east on West Main Street.

Ganter was thrown onto the hood of the car, then landed on his back on the street and hit his head, the report said. He was taken by ambulance by Hartford Hospital and released two hours later after being treated for injuries.

The driver of the Corolla, Decardo Owen, was not hurt and is not currently facing charges, police said. The car's hood and windshield were damaged in the accident.

The accident is still under investigation. Police ask that witnesses contact Lt. Cossette at 203-630-6256.