PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – A Pembroke Pines police officer was seriously injured when his sport utility vehicle collided with another SUV at Pines Boulevard and Douglas Road.
Officer Ben Burke, 43, was on-duty when his SUV collided with the other SUV, according to police at the scene.
Burke, a 19-year veteran and former officer of the year, was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood with significant injuries.
Brandon Ward, who was the driver of the SUV, spoke to Local 10 News after he was released from the hospital.
"Officers are here to protect and serve," Ward said. "They put their life on the line every day when they go to work, and I just pray for him and his family."
Jack Ward said he was watching Local 10 News when he saw the report and recognized his son's SUV.
Police said Burke's SUV was traveling east on Pines Boulevard and the other SUV was traveling south on Douglas Road when the vehicles collided about 3:30 a.m.
A witness told police the officer had a green light at the time of the crash.
Police are investigating the cause of the crash but said alcohol appears to be a factor.
Authorities said no criminal charges will be filed until official test results are obtained.
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