By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
A Long Beach Police Department officer who lives in Lewis County was injured overnight when his patrol car struck an elk on the roadway.
Michael T. Parker, 38, of Curtis, was transporting a prisoner to jail when he came upon a herd of elk on northbound U.S. Highway 101 about three miles east of Long Beach, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Troopers called to the scene about 1:20 a.m. report Parker was taken by ambulance to Ocean Beach Hospital. Information about his condition was not readily available.
His 60-year-old passenger, who was reportedly not seat belted in, was transported by aid to the hospital as well, as a precaution, according to the state patrol.
The damage to the 2005 Ford Crown Victoria was described only as “reportable.”
The speed limit there is 55 mph, and the car was slowing, according to patrol spokesperson Trooper Russ Winger.
The animal that was hit ran off and was not located last night, Winger indicated.