Two Mansfield police officers struck by a car

Two Mansfield police officer were injured early Friday morning after being struck by a car at a local park.

At 1:19 a.m., Mansfield police officer Whitnie Lemons was on routine patrol when she observed a black 2001 Nissan Altima parked in the lot at McClendon Park West, 799 W. Broad St., which closes at 9 p.m.

The vehicle was occupied by 18-year-old Diego Battle, who was driving, and 18-year-old Breana Suarez, the front-seat passenger. Lemons approached the vehicle to investigate. While at the car door window, she detected the odor of marijuana and called for a backup officer, according to the police report.

Mansfield police officer Donald Jamison arrived on the scene, and the officers instructed the occupants to exit the vehicle to conduct a search, according to the report. Battle refused to exit and a brief struggle ensued as Lemons opened the driver’s door to engage further, the report stated. Battle then placed the vehicle in reverse, striking both officers, according to the report.

Lemons was caught by the open driver’s door and forced to the ground, the report said, while Jamison was also struck but managed to evade the vehicle before Battle switched gears and drove away. Suarez exited the vehicle unharmed during the incident, the police report states, while Mansfield officers pursued Battle to an address later identified as his grandmother’s residence in Dallas.

Battle fled into the apartment, according to the report. Officers contacted the residence via phone. Following a brief call with Officer Jessica Willis, an MPD negotiator, Battle surrendered without further incident and was taken into custody, the report states The vehicle involved was impounded.

Lemons was treated by medics at the scene and released. Jamison did not sustain any serious injuries.

Suarez was released at the scene, while Battle faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer and evading arrest with a vehicle.

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