Officer hit by truck during Mardi Gras

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -

OFFICER HURT

A Mobile police officer is recovering from serious injuries. Officer Michael Beadnell was struck while on his motorcycle in downtown Mobile shortly before Sunday night's Mardi Gras parade.

Police spokesperson Christopher Levy said it was an accident that could have been avoided.

"What should have been fairly routine, just checking the parade route for parked vehicles, could have turned life threatening for this officer," Levy said.

Officer Michael Beadnell was driving his motorcycle south down Royal Street around 5:30 Sunday night. Police said as he crossed through the Government Street intersection, he was hit broadside by a pickup truck driven by Rudolph Agnew.

"Mr. Agnew actually ran the red light and collided with Beadnell," Levy said.

FACING CHARGES

There are marks on the pavement that show where the impact happened, but they don't show where officer Beadnell ended up. He was thrown a good ways down Government Street.

Immediately after the accident, Beadnell was taken to USA Medical Center, where he's still listed in serious condition.

"It's not considered life threatening," Levy told FOX10, "but he was seriously hurt. He's suffered some broken bones, multiple injuries. He's pretty banged up."

While Officer Beadnell recovers, Agnew is facing multiple charges, including first degree assault and possession of marijuana.

A DANGEROUS TIME

Busy streets, big crowds, and visual obstructions like barricades create many hazards for Mardi Gras traffic. Police say you need to be especially careful driving downtown at this time of year.