YONKERS, N.Y. — A Yonkers police officer is recovering after being injured during an early morning hit-and-run that ended with the suspect in custody thanks to interagency cooperation and license plate reader technology.

Just after 3 a.m. on July 1, Yonkers police officers approached a vehicle near 219 Nepperhan Ave. after noticing the driver appeared to be asleep and the car was improperly parked without proper license plates. When officers attempted to speak with the driver, he refused to lower the windows and suddenly accelerated, striking one officer and pinning his leg between vehicles.

The officer’s partner relayed the license plate number, and a short time later, the New Rochelle Police Department located the fleeing vehicle using their license plate reader system. Officers apprehended the driver, identified as Edward Arias, 24, of New Rochelle.

The injured officer was treated for a non-life-threatening leg injury and is now recovering at home. Arias was charged with second-degree assault and leaving the scene of an accident with serious physical injury.

Police officials praised the collaboration between departments and emphasized the risks officers face daily.

Source: Yonkers Police Department