An alleged drunk driver struck an Atlanta police officer while attempting to flee the scene of an accident early Saturday morning, according to police.

Officer Rodney Smither saw a silver Volkswagen vehicle driven by David Hamblen, 44, back into a parked pickup truck near the intersection of Lenox and Cheshire Bridge roads around 3 a.m., according to a statement from Atlanta police. While trying to drive away, Hamblen allegedly hit Smither, who fell to the ground, police said.

Paramedics at the scene examined Smither, who complained of minor soreness but did not go to the hospital.

A Georgia State Patrol officer stopped the vehicle a couple of miles away from the scene. Hamblen is charged with DUI, aggravated assault and obstruction.

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez