Drunk driver hits cop at Banilad checkpoint

CEBU - One of the policemen conducting a checkpoint operation on Mariano Cuenco Avenue in barangay Banilad on Thursday night was injured after he was hit by a Ford Everest car while he was trying to stop a motorcycle.

PO1 Wilbur Uy, who is still on a field training program, has complained of severe pain on his right thigh and was brought to Chong Hua Hospital for treatment.

The driver of the car, Bonnie Booc, of legal age, a resident of Medellin was later found out to be under the influence of liquor when the incident happened.

Booc later admitted that the vehicle is owned by a certain Aurora Zanoria, who just allowed him to drive it. Reports said Zanoria expressed willingness to shoulder the hospital expenses of Uy.

Cebu City police deputy director Paul Labra II said that Uy was one of those designated as back-up security for the team that was conducting a checkpoint. He said Uy’s task is to observe the actuations of the people or motorists passing the checkpoint.

Prior the incident, Uy and the other policemen allegedly noticed that a motorcycle-riding man tried to evade the checkpoint by turning back to his origin that prompted the victim and his companions to stop the motorcycle.

But while crossing to the other side of the street, the speeding Ford Everest allegedly suddenly hit Uy.

Labra claimed that Booc seemed to be intoxicated so they brought him to a public hospital where he was found positive of liquor.

Booc also failed to present his driver’s license when the policemen demanded for it. Labra said his office will soon file a case before the Land Transportation Office against Booc for driving a vehicle without a driver’s license and driving while under the influence of liquor.

“Sa criminal aspect kun mo-file ba og kaso ang polis, posible frustrated homicide through reckless imprudence, si PO1 Uy na ang mohukom kun mopasaka ba siya og kaso,” Labra said. — Rene U. Borromeo/WAB (THE FREEMAN)