SOUTH BEND — A St. Joseph County police officer was injured Tuesday night when his patrol car was struck from behind by an alleged drunk driver.

It happened around 10:15 p.m. at the intersection of Mishawaka Avenue and 30th St. in South Bend.

Cpl. Dennis Bake, 33, was stopped at a red light in the westbound lane of Mishawaka Avenue behind two other cars.

Bake reported that his patrol car was struck from behind by a Lincoln Town Car, driven by 46-year-old David Lazar of Elkhart.

Bake was treated at the scene by South Bend Fire and Paramedics, and then taken to Memorial Hospital with head, neck, chest and leg pain.

Lazar and his passenger, 45-year-old Christine Freeman of South Bend, refused treatment at the scene.

Lazar failed field sobriety tests at the scene, according to the St. Joseph County Police. He was then taken to Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for knee pain and given a blood test to determine his blood alcohol content (BAC). The results of that test are not yet available.

Investigating officers discovered Lazar is a Habitual Traffic Violator and didn't have proof of insurance for his vehicle. He was booked into the St. Joseph County Jail on those preliminary charges.

Freeman had an outstanding warrant for her arrest for criminal mischief. She was arrested by South Bend Police and taken to jail.

Bake was treated and released from the hospital Wednesday morning, though still complaining of pain.