Police officer recovering after hit-and-run, driver identified

(WDNG) – An Anniston police officer is recovering in the hospital after a Thursday hit-and-run. Anniston police Chief Shane Denham says the Anniston police officer injured in the Thursday evening accident was in good spirits on Friday morning.

Denham identified the officer as 19-year veteran Officer Michael Hornbeck.

Hornbeck was struck by a Toyota Corolla around 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening while assisting another motorist whose vehicle was in the median on McClellan Boulevard near the old armory building. A press release on Thursday night said the suspected vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, had been located and a driver identified.

Denham on Friday said the 22-year-old female driver later called police when she arrived home to inform them of her involvement. Hornbeck was immediately treated by firefighters who were responding to the earlier traffic incident and taken to Regional Medical Center, where Denham says he was being treated for a broken pelvis and possible broken ribs.

Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol contributed to Thursday’s incident and Denham said on Friday that information indicates the hit-and-run was an accident. He said investigators will present information to the District Attorney’s office to determine if the 22-year-old woman will be charged with a crime.

Denham said it is unknown when Hornbeck will be released from the hospital or return to work.