Jacksonville man faces DUI charge after crashing into patrol car, injuring officer

The Jacksonville man who was arrested last week after crashing into a patrol car and seriously injuring the officer inside is facing a charge of driving under the influence, according to his arrest report.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says 22-year-old Roosevelt Ward veered off West 45th Street and onto a sidewalk near Bunche Drive on May 15 just before midnight. He then hit a power pole and street sign before slamming into the officer's stopped car.

The crashes started a fire, and police say Ward tried to run but was caught.

Police at the scene smelled alcohol on his breath and said Ward's speech was slurred, according to the arrest report.

Ward was arrested on the DUI charge as well attempting to elude a law enforcement officer after a crash with property damage or injury, according to his arrest report.

The Sheriff's Office has not identified the officer or given an update on his injuries since originally saying he was in stable condition.