Police Car Runs Over Knife Wielding Suspect

[kellyhound]

September 24, 2008 Nevada, Iowa -- A Nevada, Iowa man is in critical condition after he was struck by a police vehicle.

On Friday evening a Nevada officer hit Eric Peterson as he was threatening another officer’s vehicle, armed with a knife.

Peterson’s family says Eric is mentally ill and cannot always control his actions.

Officers were first called to the scene after reports of a man confronting people with a knife.

Officer Adam Fischels first responded to the incident.

When he arrived on the scene Peterson leaped over his car, running across the hood and over the roof.

When officer Kailen Fitzgerald arrived, Peterson ran straight towards her car and was struck.

Peterson was air-lifted to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, where he remains in critical condition.

Family members were allowed to view police video and say Eric did not try to attack either officer, and say he was holding a knife but was not brandishing the weapon.

They acknowledge he did jump on Fischels’ vehicle, but say he did not attempt to gain entry.

They say the two officers were aware of Eric’s mental illness.

Officers Fischels and Fitzgerald have been placed on paid administrative leave until the conclusion of the investigation into the incident.

[Hunted]

defensive driving ?

[Kehko]

Here's a video of him jumping on another squad car a few minutes earlier.

[kellyhound]

Originally Posted by Kersten

Here's a video of him jumping on another squad car a few minutes earlier.

He went a little nuts there.
Here's the 911 call.