Driver who slammed into police patrol unit overnight is in critical condition

Oct. 18, 2013 afternoon update: The man who crashed into the police unit is in critical condition. His name has not been released.

Previous story: A man is hospitalized after he allegedlycrashed his car into the back endof an El PasoPolice Departmentpatrol carovernight.

The wreck happened just after 11 p.m. Thursday night when an officer was conducting atraffic stop on the 8100 block ofGateway East near Lomaland,.

El Paso Police spokesman Detective Mike Baranyay said theofficer was standingoutsidehis police car whena Ford Mustang slammed into the back of the unit. The officer was not injured.

Detective Baranyay said the driver of the Mustang was unresponsive.

“The officer did indicate the driver never applied the brakes prior to striking the patrol car. That’s usually indicative of an unconscious person which could be related to a medical condition, they could be sleepy or intoxication could cause that as well,” said Det. Baranyay.

EMS crews arrived shortly andconducted CPR on the manat the scene. He was rushed toa nearby hospital, where he is said to be in critical condition.

A police spokesman said they are currentlynot ruling out any factors for the cause of the crash.

Det. Baranyay said the man’s name will not be released until his family is notified.