Teens hit by Gwinnett County police cruiser

NORCROSS, Ga - Two teens were hit by a Gwinnett County Police cruiser responding to a pedestrian accident Sunday night.

The crash injured two pedestrians, identified as 16-year-old Jose Coreas-Mejia, of Atlanta, and 18-year-old Joel Melendez-Coreas, of Norcross. Coreas-Mejia is listed in serious condition at the hospital. Melendez-Coreas was treated and released. The two victims are cousins, according to police.

The wreck happened just before 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Public Information Officer Corporal Michele Pihera says Officer Scott York was traveling westbound on Singleton Road near Stonewood Drive, en route to a different pedestrian accident in the area. As he was traveling on Singleton Road, he left the roadway, traveled upon the right curb, and struck two walkers on the sidewalk along with two parked cars. The crash also damaged the exterior wall of a home. 

Investigators are looking into why the officer left the roadway. They'll also inspect the patrol car, interview the officer and any witnesses to the wreck. For now, the names and ages of the two pedestrians are not being released, pending notification of family members.

Meanwhile, Pihera says, "Our hearts go out to the family of the victims.  As officers, we routinely investigate incidents involving others.  It's never easy investigating an incident involving one of our own."

Officer York suffered minor injuries and was treated a local hospital. He is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.

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