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Dashcam video shows suspect hitting Oak Creek police officers with a car while fleeing

Posted at 9:27 AM, Mar 11, 2022
and last updated 2022-03-11 19:38:31-05

OAK CREEK, Wis. — A terrifying moment all caught on body camera. Two Oak Creek police officers hit by a driver after responding to a welfare check.

It happened back in January. Oak Creek police officers Sgt. Thomas Loontjens and officer Patrick Donoghue responded to the call. It happened at the corner of South 6th street and West Town Square Way. They checked on a man that appeared to be passed out inside of a running car. Body camera footage obtained by TMJ4 shows both officers repeatedly knocking on the car door trying to get the driver to wake up. He's now been identified as 30-year-old Keith Norrington.

"Hi there…hi. We need to talk to you. We came here to check on you," said one officer.

An incident report says officers saw an open container of alcohol along with cigar wrappers inside the vehicle. When Norrington woke up, one of the officers noted that he had red eyes and was slurring his speech. In the video Norrington initially said he was waiting for his cousin.

"Have you had anything to drink tonight," asked officer Donoghue.

"No," said Norrington.

"Nothing," asked Donoghue.

"No," said Norrington

"Can we do some tests to make sure you're safe to drive," asked Donoghue.

"No," said Norrington.

Officer Donoghue says he tried to get Norrington to step out of the car multiple times but he wouldn't. That's when things escalated. Norrington took off, leading officers on a chase. Police eventually stopped the chase because it was too dangerous. Luckily, both officers involved only had minor injuries.
"We all fell together and I hurt my hand. I'd like to go to the hospital," said Donoghue.

Officials say the car Norrington was driving was later found in Milwaukee where they arrested him. He now faces multiple charges including fleeing and eluding an officer. Norrington is expected to be back in court on March 14th.

Norrington was charged with the following according to court records:

  • Refusal to take test for intoxication after arrest
  • OWI (2nd offense)
  • Vehicle operator flee/elude officer

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