JIM THORPE -- A police officer run down in Carbon County spoke out publicly for the first time as the man behind the wheel admitted his guilt.
It was in November 2011, investigators were in Nesquehoning investigating an incident where a police officer was run down. Officer Joe David said that happened as he was directing traffic.
"I don't remember a lot of it but when I woke up it was a lot a pain. Like I said, it's definitely something I don't want to go through again but it could have been a lot worse and I am thankful I made out the way I did."
Officer David explained he had his leg broken in three places and a broken ankle. He was out of work for almost a year.
Robert Monroe, 52, admitted his guilt that he was behind the wheel to a Carbon County judge.
"Do you have anything to say to the police officer?"
"No, I don't," Monroe said.
"Are you sorry?"
"Of course I am. It was an accident," he said.
Prosecutors said Monroe had cocaine and marijuana in his system when he crashed into the officer.
"He was a bit of a mess and hopefully jail will help him out and he'll be cleaner than when he struck me with his vehicle," Patrolman David said.
Prosecutors have worked out a plea bargain where Monroe faces the possibility of 14 years in jail.
Officer David realizes he has a dangerous job.
"I feel better that he plead guilty than go for a trial on it, so I am happy with the results and the district attorney. I can't say I have nightmares over it or anything but it was a bad experience and I am happy it turned out the way it did," David explained.
Prosecutors say as a result of the investigation involving Monroe running down that police officer David. They charged him with other counts involving having 1,400 bootleg movies and getting into a fight at the Carbon County Jail.