This is the shocking moment an Atlanta police patrol car is sent flying into a police officer on a motorway after being hit by a suspected drink-driver.

The incident took place on Interstate 20 near Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard in the city of Atlanta, which is the capital of the US state of Georgia, in May this year but it has only just been shared by the police now.

The footage shows the officer investigating a broken-down vehicle in one of the highway’s traffic lanes as motorists drive by, having apparently noticed the bright, flashing blue lights and the stopped vehicles.

But all of a sudden, there is a huge crash and the footage goes dark as an oncoming vehicle crashes into the back of the police officer’s patrol car.

The Atlanta Police Department (APD) shared the images online and said that “on May 5th, 2021, APD Officer Duc Vo was dispatched to a call regarding an inoperable vehicle on Interstate 20 near the Joseph E. Lowery Blvd exit, and unbeknownst to him, what happened next would change his life.

“Upon arrival, Vo observed that the car was stalled in an active traffic lane. He positioned his patrol car behind the stranded auto and activated his emergency lights to alert motorists and signal them to move over or slow down.

“Officer Vo then stepped out of his patrol car and began walking towards the vehicle to check on the driver but just as he approached the car, another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed plowed into the back of his patrol car causing severe damage to the vehicle and serious injuries to Vo. EMS responded to the scene and transported officer Vo to the hospital for emergency medical attention.”

The police also said that “the driver who rammed into Vo was drunk”.

The statement named the alleged drink driver as Annette M. Stewart and said that she had been arrested and “charged with D.U.I., Alcohol Less Safe and Reckless Driving and was transported to Atlanta City Jail”.

The police statement also said that officer Vo is “still recovering from the injuries sustained during this incident”.

The cops added that “all we can say is that we are grateful that officer Vo is still with us. This clearly could have had a different outcome.

“This incident is a reminder of what can happen during an officer’s shift and the dangers they endure that are rarely acknowledged or discussed.

“Unless you’ve been an officer, there is no way to grasp the totality of the position. It is much bigger than chasing down bad guys and making arrests. The daily risks and heroism cannot be overstated. We send best wishes to officer Vo and his family. It should be noted that Officer Vo was nominated and affirmed for the Purple Heart award for this year’s Crime is Toast event. A much-deserved nomination. We extend our appreciation to all the men and women who put it all on the line each day to keep our communities safe.

“Safe highways should be everyone’s concern. We remind drivers that drinking, and driving is not only insanely dangerous, but it is against the law. Never drink and drive, never text and drive and always pay attention when behind the wheel.”

Interstate 20 is a major highway in the southern United States that stretches from western Texas to South Carolina.