A Uniformed Police Officer Collapsed Again... Colleagues Have Started Fundraising for Medical Expenses

Busan Dongnae Police Station Officer A, Clung to Drunk Driving Suspect's Car for 1km After Breathalyzer Refusal
Returned 'No Abnormalities' but Suffered Headache and Dizziness, Eventually Lost Consciousness

Busan Dongnae Police Station.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] A 55-year-old family man, Lieutenant A, was dragged while clinging to a vehicle that refused a breathalyzer test during a DUI checkpoint in June.

He hung on for about 1 km before falling, injuring his head and entire body. Until then, it seemed fortunate. A CT scan showed ‘no abnormalities,’ which relieved his family and fellow officers.

He soon returned to work but continued to suffer from headaches and collapsed unconscious three months after the injury.

Upon hearing this news, police officers nationwide rolled up their sleeves to help.

The Dongnae Police Station’s Workplace Council in Busan posted Lieutenant A’s story on the police internal network ‘Polnet.’ The story spread to police officers across the country.

Many joined a fundraising campaign saying, “It’s a small amount, but please contribute to the hospital bills.” The Dongnae Workplace Council said, “Even a police box in Gyeonggi-do sent hospital fees. All police nationwide are cheering for Lieutenant A to get back on his feet quickly.”

Lieutenant A belongs to the Sajik District Unit of the Dongnae Police Station in Busan. The fundraising story began on June 19 this year.

At 12:46 a.m. that day, Lieutenant A received a report of a suspected drunk-driving vehicle heading toward Sajik-dong, Dongnae-gu, and positioned a patrol car on the expected escape route. Upon spotting the suspicious vehicle, he attempted a breathalyzer test. However, the driver, Mr. B, in his 40s, refused the test and pressed the accelerator through the open window.

Lieutenant A clung to the car door, waiting for the speed to drop. Mr. B’s reckless driving continued for nearly 1 km.

Taking advantage of a moment when Mr. B slowed down, Lieutenant A jumped onto the road. His head hit the asphalt hard. Rolling on the ground, his entire body was battered.

The fleeing Mr. B stopped after crashing into a bridge near the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. His blood alcohol concentration was at the license cancellation level.

Lieutenant A underwent a CT scan but was told there were ‘no significant abnormalities.’ Despite objections from those around him, he returned to work after a week. The hardship of his colleagues covering for him and his modest income as the sole breadwinner pushed him back to the workplace.

A fellow officer said, “Due to his personality, he probably felt too sorry for his family to just lie down.” Lieutenant A even volunteered for extra shifts to cover for colleagues on leave despite his unhealed injuries.

He returned with a smile but suffered from headaches and dizziness. Repeatedly comforting himself with, “The shock from that day hasn’t gone away yet, but it will get better,” he tried to stay positive.

The pain and dizziness worsened, and on the 9th of last month, Lieutenant A collapsed while putting on his uniform. His condition rapidly deteriorated, and on the 19th, he was transferred to Busan National University Hospital, where he underwent a nine-hour brain surgery.

He has not regained consciousness. Since the surgery, Lieutenant A cannot breathe on his own and remains unconscious.

His colleagues at Dongnae deeply regret not stopping Lieutenant A from returning to work. A junior officer said, “I wish I could turn back time even for two months. I regret not strongly recommending hospitalization when he complained of headaches,” expressing sorrow.

Lieutenant A’s case sends a message that obstruction of official duties must be strictly punished. Many police officers get injured chasing fleeing suspects, but the punishments for suspects are often lenient.

One officer said, “If a suspect escapes while being chased, the police often bear the medical expenses alone. Even if caught, most receive small fines without detention.”

The driver Mr. B, who dragged Lieutenant A while fleeing, is under investigation for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (Yoon Chang-ho Act) and special obstruction of official duties.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.