MIDDLETOWN — A Middletown police officer has been transported to the hospital with facial injuries after allegedly being assaulted by a motorist who was pulled over for a hit-skip incident.

The police officer, who has not been identified, was dispatched to the intersection of Grand Avenue and Breiel Boulevard at about 5 p.m. today, July 21, on the report of a hit-skip. The vehicle that fled the scene was described as a blue van, according to dispatchers.

The officer then conducted a traffic stop on the blue van at the intersection of Aberdeen Drive and Central Avenue, according to police Officer Tim Meehan.

Witnesses said the two men began to struggle as the officer was patting down the suspect. During their altercation, another officer arrived on the scene. At that time, the struggle ended and the driver, who has been identified as a male, “went off” on the officer and attacked him, Meehan said.

At that time, witnesses said, the officer was sent off in an ambulance. An ambulance, two fire trucks and approximately six police vehicles responded to the scene, authorities said.

Police are still on scene investigating the incident. Meehan said the officer has been transported to Atrium Medical Center for his injuries.

Staff Writer Andy Sedlak contributed to this report.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.