PEABODY — A veteran police officer is recovering from injuries after he was struck by a car on Lake Street Monday night, according to Chief Thomas M. Griffin.
Officer James Leclerc, who has been with the Peabody Police Department for 20 years, was at the scene of a separate motor vehicle crash at 6 p.m. when he was hit.
“He was clearing the scene, and one of the cars was being hoisted on the bed of a tow truck when he was struck,” Griffin said. “The operator did not see him and stopped to provide assistance.”
Griffin said the collision is under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit. As a result, he declined to release the name of the driver.
Leclerc was conscious but bleeding from his head injury when he was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital. He also suffered a concussion, and back and shoulder injuries.
He was released and is recovering at home, Griffin said. It’s unclear when Leclerc will return to work.
“Right now he’s resting and we want to give him space,” the chief said. “He’s a good guy, works hard and is well-known in West Peabody where he works the 4 p.m. to midnight shift. We are grateful that he was not more seriously injured and we hope for a speedy recovery. The department would like to thank everyone who reached out to express their concerns for Jim and his family. “
