This footage was filmed and produced 6 January 2024.

A police officer narrowly escaped a life-threatening incident as a driver smashed into his patrol car during a traffic stop.

The heart-stopping moment, captured on the officer's body camera, shows the white Kia colliding with the open door, missing the officer by inches.

Despite the close call, the officer sustained a minor hand injury and was promptly taken to Bayfront Health Hospital for treatment. The driver, identified as Mackenzie Paige Deaton, 24, initially fled the scene but was apprehended later.

Deaton faces charges including serious bodily injury hit and run and tampering with evidence. The incident underscores the importance of giving space to emergency vehicles on the roadside. The officer is expected to recover fully from his injuries.