Easthampton police K-9, officers, and driver suffer minor injuries in drunk driving crash, authorities say
The police dog, Gino, has been given "a clean bill of health" from the department's veterinarian, officials said.
Two Easthampton police officers, their K-9 partner, and a Holyoke man who allegedly crashed into their cruiser while driving under the influence all suffered minor injuries from the head-on collision Wednesday night, police said.
Nicholas Bilger, 24, crashed into the police vehicle on Old Springfield Road around 10:41 p.m. after he fled a nearby party where police responded to reports of drug and alcohol use, according to a statement from the Easthampton Police Department.
Officers said Bilger, who was charged with operating under the influence of liquor for a second time, was later found to have a blood alcohol content level over twice the legal limit.
“As Bilger approached the K9 Unit he was speeding, losing control of his car and veering sideways towards Officers and (K9) Gino,” police wrote in a Facebook post. “The K9 Unit came to a stop and activated the emergency lights in an attempt to slow the oncoming vehicle. Bilger then violently crashed his car head-on into the K9 Unit, bounced off and careened into the woods.”
Authorities said the crash prompted full airbag deployment in the cruiser — a reaction that slammed Gino to the other side of his compartment. He had to be extricated from the cruiser.
“An intoxicated Bilger told (police) he was sorry for hitting the cruiser, but he ‘had to get to work,'” the statement said.
Officer A. Beaulieu, Special Police Officer K. Moskal, and Gino were shaken by the crash and suffered minor injuries, police said.
In another statement posted Thursday, officials reported Gino was given “a clean bill of health” by the department’s veterinarian at a follow-up examination, adding that he likely has some bruises but no other serious injuries.
“K9 Gino and the Officers involved in this incident are very very fortunate,” police said. “We here at the EPD appreciate all of the kind words and support from our community and beyond!”
Bilger also suffered minor injuries, according to authorities. He faces charges of second offense operating under the influence of liquor; unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; speeding; reckless operation of a motor vehicle; unregistered, uninsured motor vehicle; attaching wrong license plates; and several civil motor vehicle infractions.
His bail was set at $40 by a court clerk and Bilger was later released on personal recognizance, police said.
https://www.facebook.com/EasthamptonPD/photos/pcb.997310253806141/997309190472914/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/EasthamptonPD/photos/a.621571028046734/997432917127208/?type=3&theater
