Police officer struck by drunk driver

Fairfield (WTNH) - A Fairfield police officer, and another person, are recovering after being struck by a drunk driver.

Robert Metz, 55, was found by police passed out in the car on the front lawn of the Fairfield Motor Inn early Sunday morning.

When the officer approached the vehicle, investigators say Metz drove at the officer, hitting his legs and sending him up onto the hood of the car.

Then Metz allegedly drove back at the officer a second time, running over his feet.

Police say Metz then drove off, got on I-95 and headed toward the "Gathering of the Vibes" concert in Bridgeport, where he struck another person.

He allegedly jumped out of the car and ran off. But it wasn't long before police tracked him down.

"This individual was very dangerous, but I'll tell you one thing, a lot of lives were saved that night including Mr. Metz's," said Sgt. James Perez of the Fairfield Police Department. "If he came straight at him, from even just a little bit further of a distance, the officer could have taken a shot at him; this case could have been catastrophic."

Metz is facing a long list of charges including Assault of a Police Officer and Drug Possession. He was also found to be intoxicated.

The officer who was struck is reportedly okay. No word on the other person's condition.