New Bern officer struck by vehicle while rescuing man from traffic

The New Bern Police Department responded to a call on Friday, May 30, at around 9:23 a.m., regarding a citizen in distress near the 3100 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where upon arrival, an officer rescued a citizen from traffic and in the process, the officer was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

Officials say upon arrival, officers observed a man in distress, who seemed to be walking dangerously close to traffic, where the officer, concerned for the citizen's well-being, intervened and rescued the citizen from traffic in the southbound lanes.

The officer was transported to Carolina East Medical Center and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The citizen was also taken to the hospital for evaluation and did not sustain any injuries, per officials.

An investigation is underway by the North Carolina Highway Patrol and at this time no charges have been filed.

Lieutenant R. J. Holton stated in a release:

We extend our gratitude to the responding officers and medical personnel for their swift actions.