MARTINS FERRY — A Martins Ferry police officer is recovering at home after her parked cruiser was struck by a suspected drunk driver.

Police Chief John McFarland said Sgt. Beth Scales received bumps, bruises, and road rash — and a few stitches — after her cruiser was hit from behind near Ohio 7 and Aetna Street about 10 p.m. Sunday.

Scales was in the middle of investigating an unrelated domestic violence call when the accident occurred. During the course of the investigation, Scales had placed a scared child in her vehicle.

When Scales went back to the cruiser to check on that child that’s when the cruiser was struck by another vehicle traveling on Ohio 7.

“She went back to the car (and) as she was reaching in to grab her cell phone she heard screeching tires. The vehicle crashed into the back of the patrol (car),” he said.

McFarland said the girl was taken to Wheeling Hospital and McFarland believes she is OK. Scales received treatment at East Ohio Regional Hospital in Martins Ferry and was released.

“Sgt. Scales reaching into the car probably saved the girl from having injuries. She was across the front of her when it happened,” he said. “She is one tough cookie. She will have some time off to heal up. She’s a fighter; she will be fine. … God was looking over us and the little girl.”

Ohio State Highway Patrol Commander Lt. Maurice Waddell said Michael Pearson, 22, of Wheeling, was arrested for OVI following the crash. His blood alcohol level allegedly was 0.166.

“I would say alcohol was a contributing factor to the crash and driver inattention,” Waddell said, adding Pearson was not injured in the crash.