City Officer Injured after Driver Hits Patrol Car

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Saratoga Springs officer was injured after his police vehicle was struck by a passing motorist, police said. 

At 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 5, Saratoga Springs Police Officer Quinn Leffler was assisting and diverting traffic away from a personal injury car crash at the intersection of Route 9N and Kirby Road. 

While sitting in his police vehicle, a grey Toyota Rav4 allegedly disregarded the emergency lights and struck the patrol vehicle in which Leffler was seated. 

The officer was able to advise other police officers on scene that he was struck and that the Toyota fled the scene on Kirby Road. Patrol Officers engaged in a pursuit which concluded in a parking lot of a business on Route 9N. 

John Bidonde, 21, of Porter Corners, was charged with reckless endangerment, assault, and unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle. Bidonde was released on an appearance ticket and scheduled to appear in City Court on Jan. 23. 

Officer Leffler was taken to Saratoga Hospital and released. He is expected to return to duty within several weeks, according to a press release issued by the SSPD.