Police: Man who hit Georgetown cop had multiple DWI arrests

A Georgetown police officer is recovering from surgery at Brackenridge hospital Tuesday night after being hit by a suspected drunk driver.

Officer Keith Laughlin, 26, was assisting a stalled motorist around 7 p.m. Monday, when authorities say Tommy Hagar, 56, slammed into the vehicles, crushing the officer’s legs.

Police arrested Hagar at the scene after they reportedly smelled alcohol, and they now say Hagar has been arrested several times for alcohol-related offenses.

He's currently being held in the Williamson County jail, charged with intoxication assault and is being held on a $40,000 bond.

According to court records, on Christmas Eve Hillsboro police arrested Hagar for driving while intoxicated. Records also show Hagar was released from probation this summer in Williamson County stemming from an alcohol related offense in 2006. The assistant chief of police says this shows the danger of drinking and driving.

“He just went through an MRI this morning and they are trying to determine the extent of his injuries,” Georgetown Asst. Police Chief Kevin Stofle said.

“It's horrible that someone drinks and runs into a cop like that. When you see a cop you should yield and slow down,” Georgetown resident Bobby North said.

The assistant police chief agrees and says it was a senseless accident.
“Do not drink and drive. Any instance where that happens the potential is there for an accident of this nature,” Stofle said.

Officer Keith Laughlin joined Georgetown Police Department in April of this year. He is married and has a seven month old son.

Detective Eric Wise, the President of the Officer’s Association said “He’s on of our newest officers and kind of one of our rising stars.”

Detective Wise said he spoke with Laughlin earlier Tuesday night and said Laughlin is looking forward to going back to work.

Laughlin is in stable condition tonight. He underwent surgery on one of his legs Tuesday morning and will undergo a second surgery Tuesday.

Hagar is an employee of the City of Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department.

source