Officer struck in Astoria; police search for suspect

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Authorities in Queens are searching for a driver who struck a police officer and fled the scene Monday night.

The officer was hit on Broadway and Crescent Street in Astoria just before 9 p.m.

The incident began when two police officers attempted to pull over a vehicle with Florida plates because it matched the description of a pickup truck used in the robbery of a woman in East Elmhurst earlier in the day.

The vehicle in that robbery was stolen in Florida where the suspect resides.

Police say the suspect identifed as 61-year-old Gary Sarback, was driving a stolen Ford F-150, refused to stop and clipped the officer while trying to flee the scene.

Other officers responded by firing their weapons. The suspect then crashed the truck a few blocks away and fled on foot.

The Queensboro Bridge was shut down briefly as cops canvassed the area.

The officer suffered non-life threatening injuries and was listed in stable condition at a hospital.

The suspect is described as a white male, about 225 pounds. He has a heavy build, was wearing glasses and had short, cropped hair.

Police were able to identify him by a cell phone that was left at the scene.

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