Officer injured after crashing with box truck in Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston police officer was treated for minor injuries after he was involved in a hit-and-run accident in west Houston.

The accident happened just after 11pm in the 2500 block of Eldridge Parkway at Westheimer Road.

HPD Sgt. James Roque says the officer was traveling southbound on Eldridge Parkway when the driver of a box truck ran a red light and crashed into the police cruiser.

Police say the driver of the box truck then fled the scene, leaving behind the officer and his severely damaged SUV at the crash scene.

The officer was transported to the hospital for minor injuries.

The officer was able to give a description of the box truck to investigators. An eyewitness who saw the crash followed the box truck until police units caught up with the driver.

The driver was taken into custody shortly thereafter.

No word yet on any charges filed, but police say at a minimum the driver could face a charge of failure to stop and give information.