A police officer in Montgomery County, Maryland who was critically injured after being struck by a suspected drunken driver last week died Thursday morning.
Officer Noah Leotta was conducting a traffic stop on Rockville Pike in Olney on Dec. 3 and was attempting to get back into his patrol car when a 2012 Honda CRV slammed into the driver's side, critically injuring him.
The driver of the CRV, identified as 47-year-old Luis Gustavo Reluzco, was taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Leotta, who was working as a member of the annual Holiday Alcohol Task Force, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital seven days later, according to a news release from the Montgomery County Police Department.
"Noah loved his job and demonstrated a level of enthusiasm that drove a work ethic and professionalism that we can all aspire to," Police Chief J. Thomas Manger said in a statement. "These qualities made him the man and the police officer that he was."
The 24-year-old officer grew up in Montgomery County and interned with the police department from December 2011 to January 2013 before going through the police academy.
In a recent performance evaluation, Leotta's suupervisor wrote, "He arrives at work early every day with a smile on his face as though he can't wait to start the day. His enthusiasm for the job is unwavering and infectious.
"He is humble and selfless and never seeks any recognition for himself," his supervisor continues. "Officer Leotta is always willing to help out fellow officers in any way he can."
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Officer.com will provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
