Jacksonville, United States - December 26, 2024 A chilling chain-reaction crash occurred on the Mathews Bridge early on December 26 when a drunk driver slammed into the back of a police car, injuring multiple people. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) Officer H. Melvin had stopped to assist two men with a flat tire when the incident unfolded. The officer, parked with his emergency lights on, was helping the men when a pickup truck crashed into his police vehicle. The collision pinned one of the motorists between two vehicles. Officer Melvin, springing into action, called for rescue teams while rushing to the pickup truck, which had started rolling backward. He discovered the driver, 30-year-old Aleksandr Bratulin, unconscious at the wheel, along with an unconscious passenger. Officer Melvin was able to stop the truck by pressing the brakes and shifting the vehicle into park. Two men sustained serious injuries and were transported to the hospital, while Officer Melvin suffered minor injuries. Bratulin, arrested at the scene, faces multiple charges, including DUI, reckless driving, and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. He is also facing charges related to personal injury and property damage. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.