Officer in I-85 crash released from hospital

DURHAM (WTVD) -- The Durham police officer badly hurt last week when a semi slammed into her cruiser has been released from the hospital.

Officer Teresa Gilliam was stopped on the right shoulder of Interstate 85 near the Cole Mill Road exit last Wednesday after having pulled over a 2010 Mazda 3.

Around 3 p.m., a tractor-trailer -- driven by 44-year-old Charles Edward Caldwell of Georgia -- rear-ended Officer Gilliam's unmarked police car, pushing it into the rear of the Mazda.

Officer Gilliam was released the hospital Thursday after suffering head and spine injuries.

Police said Caldwell did not receive any injuries from the crash. He has since been charged with DWI and careless and reckless driving.

According to court records obtained by ABC11, Caldwell was "weaving all over the road," going about 70 miles an hour in a 60 zone and failed to move over when he approached the stopped patrol car on the shoulder.

Officers on the scene said the" trucker had droopy eyes and slurred speech and appeared to fall asleep."

Caldwell's attorney claimed he was not on drugs or drunk, but suffered a medical incident.

Caldwell is scheduled to appear in court in December.

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