LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
A Metro officer remains in the hospital and investigators say a man who was driving under the influence is to blame. The driver, Jack Bradford, was headed to Dotty's casino when he allegedly caused the injury crash.
Bradford agreed to an interview with FOX5 Monday night from behind bars at Clark County Detention Center.
"Were you under the influence of drugs or alcohol?" asked FOX5 reporter Elizabeth Watts.
"Absolutely not. I've been clean for two years," said Bradford.
Bradford is behind bars, accused of driving under the influence and causing the weekend crash that injured 27-year-old Metro Officer Michael Contreras.
Investigators said Bradford failed to yield and crossed in front of oncoming traffic, causing Contreras to crash and be ejected from his motorcycle.
"I feel sorry for his family and him, but I don't think it was my fault. I didn't see him. If he had lights on I would have seen him. I was not under the influence. Blood work will prove that," Bradford said.
Contreras was rushed to University Medical Center in critical condition but has since been upgraded to serious condition. He's currently being treated for a broken wrist and head injuries.
Police spend a lot of time on the road, increasing their chances of being involved in a crash, especially with the number of DUI drivers out there.
"People sit in their cars for 10 hours a day. Their chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident are increased tenfold, especially those on a motorcycle," said NHP Sgt. Alan Davidson, president of the Injured Police Officers Fund.
Bradford, 45, of Washington, faces a felony charge of driving under the influence with substantial harm as well as charges of failure to yield and failure to obey a red light. He did not have insurance, his driver's license was canceled or suspended and he was cited for a vehicle registration violation.
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Jack Bradford (LVMPD)
