A Pittsburgh police officer is being charged with driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident following a crash, on November 12th, that seriously injured the employee of a local TV station.
The officer has not been taken into custody.
"These are all actions that are very concerning."
Police have charged Tariq Jamal-Francis with DUI, reckless driving and child endangerment after he allegedly got behind the wheel of his car, drunk, with his 17-year-old riding shotgun, before crashing right into a WPXI employee.
“She has a concussion, with a loss of consciousness, so that's a whole different level of concussion. She has seen a neuropsychologist."
The crash happened on November 12th, roughly one mile from Jamal-Francis' home along New Texas Road.
According to police, he rear-ended the Channel 11 staffer and took off.
He then proceeded to back up and drive onto the wrong side of the road hitting the embankment.
Police say he kept driving before turning onto Saltsburg Road.
That's where he finally pulled over at Boyce Park Drive and called police to report the incident.
"We are certainly surprised and shocked that an officer was involved, not because of the potential criminality of the matter but because he didn't actually stop at the scene."
Police say Jamal-Francis admitted to consuming alcohol but refused a field sobriety test.
He agreed to a DUI blood draw at Forbes Hospital where police say he smelled of alcohol.
"It would appear that it has a lack of remorse, a lack of responsibility."
The crash was so severe his car had to be towed from the area.
The victim's car was damaged as well.
WPXI went to Jamal-Francis’ home trying to get his side of the story, but no one answered.
"When you are drinking and driving you are not only a danger to yourself, but a danger to the person who you come into contact with in this case our client and any person in your vehicle."
The officer has not been taken into police custody but will remain on administrative leave for the time being.
Court officials say he will be charged via a summons.
The victim continues to undergo treatment for her injuries.