A police officer in Northern Virginia sustained severe injuries Thursday night after being hit by a stolen vehicle he was attempting to stop. The incident unfolded in Woodbridge around 11 p.m. when the officer located the stolen 2012 Dodge Journey. The vehicle's owner had reported it stolen approximately an hour earlier from a nearby 7-Eleven, where the keys had been left inside.

As the officer approached the driver's side window, the suspect accelerated, executed a U-turn, and then drove directly towards the officer. The officer discharged his weapon before being struck by the vehicle. The impact caused the stolen SUV to crash and overturn. The suspect then fled the scene on foot.

Following an extensive search, law enforcement apprehended the 18-year-old suspect around 1:30 a.m. Friday. The suspect appeared to be uninjured by the officer's gunfire. Charges against the suspect include attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated malicious wounding, felony hit and run, felony eluding, and felony grand larceny auto theft.

The injured officer was transported to a hospital with a serious head injury. Fortunately, authorities have indicated that the officer is expected to recover fully.