(Palm Bay)–Palm Bay traffic homicide investigators are currently at the scene of a vehicle crash with injuries.

The crash occurred just after 5 a.m. at the intersection of Emerson Drive NW and Island Avenue.  An adult female was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

At approximately 5:28 a.m. a patrol officer was rendering aid to a stranded motorist in the area of Emerson Drive and Island Avenue.

The officer witnessed the adult female walking along Emerson and assisted her by providing her a ride back to her disabled vehicle.

As the officer and female exited the patrol vehicle the driver of a westbound Buick  was coming off the roadway.

It appeared the driver of the Buick had fallen asleep.  The officer was able to escape injury.

He hollered at the female to get out of the way but the vehicle hit the patrol car and struck the woman.

She was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
           
The investigation is ongoing and charges against the driver of the Buick are pending.