UPDATE: Pedestrian treated after being struck by Mishawaka police car

Tribune Staff Report

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Oct 13, 2008 at 3:59 PM EST

Story Updated: Oct 13, 2008 at 4:01 PM EST

MISHAWAKA — Mishawaka Police have released more details about an accident involving a pedestrian struck by a police car Sunday.

George Psarakis Jr., 58, of Mishawaka, was struck by a squad car driven by officer Richard Freeman, 28, who was on duty and en route to a domestic disturbance call near Main and Third Streets at 8:20 p.m., investigators said.

Psarakis told officers that he was attempting to walk north across Third Street when Freeman, heading south on Main Street, turned left onto Third Street and struck him.

Freeman told investigators that he had not spotted any pedestrians when he started his left turn, and did not see Psarakis until he heard the noise of impact.

Psarakis was transported to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in South Bend, where he was treated for head pain and released. Freeman suffered no injuries, and was able to continue his shift.

The accident remains under investigation.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 11:08 AM M. wrote ...

That is true Dennis, EXCEPT when there is an ambulance or a police car with flashing lights. Then they have the right of way. Emergencies trump pedestrians. To all: this was an ACCIDENT. Nothing more, nothing less.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 2:10 PM cindy wrote ...

This is the reason I jay walk. I feel safer jay walking than crossing at the light, people seem to be in a hurry turning. Then again if the officer had lights and\or sirens on the pedestrian should of stayed on the corner or jay walked.I didn't read where the officer had either on, if he didn't,he should have at least one on.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 8:23 AM Larry wrote ...

So what..you have an MS degree. I would think you would use that education and some COMMON SENSE to realize that not all information reported on the news is accurate. And to say the Police released it is absurd. Do you have any proof of this? This sounds like a simple accident. Or do you think there is some vast conspiracy involving the Police where they (Police) decided its time to run down pedestrians? The cop didn't see the pedestrian. IT HAPPENS. And (gasp) even to citizen drivers.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 7:12 AM Laurie wrote ...

Actually, I agree that all are not crooked. I should have phrased that better. The few who are questionable with their actions ruin it for the rest of the cops, some who are great, out there.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 6:51 AM dennis wrote ...

Please note the law is pedestrians always have the right of way!

Monday, Oct 13 at 11:05 PM To Laurie wrote ...

There are crooked cops out there but that dont mean the whole force is bad..Alot of people just dont no who to contect if they chose to make a complaint on a officer. If they provide the public with that imformation you would be very surprised trust me

Monday, Oct 13 at 9:37 PM Laurie wrote ...

To Larry--I am not married to Troy..and I have never been arrested. It's actually the opposite--I've won humanitarian awards. Just because I have a brain and education (MS degree) and question the status quo, doesn't mean I'm a low life. The first article did say the pedestrian walked into the path of the police car. Who initially gave that info out? The police. No wonder people think the cops are crooked around here with these tactics. Heaven forbid, a man should cross a street.

Monday, Oct 13 at 8:30 PM O My wrote ...

I hope he did'nt suffer any internal bleeding a person is more pain the day after anyways but I'm sure they will give him some good pain medicine so he can be in a slit coma

Monday, Oct 13 at 7:29 PM Larry wrote ...

Troy and Laurie must be either married or cell mates. Which is it?

Monday, Oct 13 at 7:03 PM dave wrote ...

No doubt Troy is a little inmature idiot for making such a ridiculous comment. Grow up kid!

Monday, Oct 13 at 5:13 PM Troy wrote ...

Good thing for Mr. Psarakis that he was in Mishawaka, in South Bend the cops would have just shot him.

Monday, Oct 13 at 5:07 PM Laurie wrote ...

Gee, the man didn't walk into the way of the police car as the first story said ...big surprise...not!

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