A police officer was hit but not hurt Monday night by a fleeing stolen truck whose driver is being sought, authorities say.
Officers are interviewing Kenneth Richardson, 58, who was driving the stolen black pickup when police pulled it over in the parking lot of ABC Liquor in the 2700 block of S. Orange Avenue.
But Richardson wasn't behind the wheel when the pickup struck the officer.
Police said the front-seat passenger slid into the driver's seat after officers removed Richardson from the car.
The passenger backed the pickup into the police car several times before pulling forward and sideswiping the officer, according to police.
Then the pickup sped off, striking two other parked cars in the parking lot, police said.
The officer was not hurt.
Officers first came in contact with the pickup around 9:45 p.m.
The black Mazda pickup -- with University of Central Florida parking decal and window sticker -- was reported stolen earlier from the 400 block of Ruth Lane near E. Amelia Street and N. Rosalind Avenue.
While patrolling the area of S. Orange Avenue and Pineloch Street, police saw the stolen pickup.
When the pickup turned into the ABC Liquor parking lot, officers stopped the car and ordered Richardson to turn off the engine, an arrest report said.
Richardson got out of the pickup, leaving two other passengers inside, police said.
No details were given about the third passenger inside the pickup during the traffic stop.
Police described the front-seat passenger as a man between ages 30 and 40, with dark hair. He weighs about 170 pounds.
Richardson has been charged with driving on a suspended license. Additional charges are pending the outcome of the investigation, police said.
"Detectives are still working to identify that suspect, and efforts will be made to locate him," police spokesman Sgt. Jim Young said.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-8477.
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McClatchy-Tribune News Service
