A police officer in Saratoga Springs suffered injuries when a vehicle, operated by an intoxicated driver, struck his patrol car. The incident occurred at the intersection of Route 9N and Kirby Road in the evening. The officer managed to alert other officers about the fleeing vehicle, leading to the arrest of the suspect. The injured officer received medical treatment and is expected to recover fully within several weeks. The driver faces multiple charges, including reckless endangerment and aggravated driving while intoxicated.

Prompt Response Ensures Capture of Fleeing Suspect

The quick actions of law enforcement were instrumental in apprehending the individual responsible for the collision. When Officer Quinn Leffler was seated inside his patrol car assisting with another crash, a grey Toyota Rav4 failed to heed the flashing emergency lights and collided with his vehicle. Despite the impact, Officer Leffler promptly alerted fellow officers that the Toyota was speeding away on Kirby Road. This immediate communication allowed for a swift pursuit and eventual capture of the suspect.

In a series of coordinated efforts, law enforcement tracked down John Bidonde, a 21-year-old from Porters Corner, who was driving the Toyota. The pursuit culminated in a traffic stop in a parking lot along Route 9N. Bidonde's arrest followed this stop. The rapid response and effective coordination among the officers ensured that the perpetrator did not evade justice. Officer Leffler’s ability to alert his colleagues under challenging circumstances played a crucial role in the successful apprehension.

Officer Recovers, Suspect Faces Multiple Charges

Following the collision, Officer Leffler was taken to Saratoga Hospital for medical evaluation. He received necessary treatment and was subsequently released. Medical professionals indicated that he should make a full recovery within a few weeks. The officer’s resilience and dedication to duty are commendable, especially given the circumstances of the incident.

Bidonde, now facing serious legal consequences, has been charged with numerous offenses. These include reckless endangerment, assault, unlawful fleeing a police officer, aggravated driving while intoxicated (DWI), and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. Additionally, he faces several vehicle and traffic law violations. After processing, Bidonde was released on appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in City Court on January 23, 2025. The case underscores the severity of impaired driving and the importance of adhering to traffic laws.