A Peoria police officer is recovering after a theft suspect ran over his leg.

Before 8 p.m. Friday, June 12, Peoria police Officer James Hunter was flagged down by an employee about a person who had just shoplifted and was acting suspicious in the parking lot near 95th and Northern avenues.

Police said Mr. Hunter contacted a woman who was standing outside of her vehicle and not following directions. Police said the woman walked around the vehicle and entered the driver's side.

Mr. Hunter ordered her out of the vehicle and tried to physically remove her. However, police said she put the vehicle in reverse and accelerated, running over Mr. Hunter’s leg and pinning him against his squad car. Records later state that Mr. Hunter sustained a broken fibula.

Police said the woman then put the vehicle in drive and accelerated quickly through the parking lot with her door still open.

Mr. Hunter, while injured, pursued the vehicle as additional officers responded.

Police said the suspect vehicle crashed along the Loop 101 near Glendale Avenue. The suspect was ejected from the vehicle and tried to run on foot before being taken into custody. Police located drugs and a male passenger in the vehicle as well, records state.

Police said Mr. Hunter was taken to a nearby hospital to treat a serious but non-life-threatening injury. He has since been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Police identified the suspect as Erin Michelle Taylor, 31, of Glendale. She was transported to the hospital for minor injuries and later jailed in lieu of $100,000 bond on charges of aggravated assault, drug possession, unlawful flight from law enforcement, DUI, firearms charges and theft charges.