Middle Township Police Officer Steven Novsak was seriously injured early Thursday morning when an ATV rider that officers Novsak and Martino were trying pull over struck Novsak while trying to elude police.

The officers were investigating a curfew violation in the Edgewood section of the township at approximately 1:30 a.m. when they observed 19-year-old Kenneth Copson riding his ATV through the streets. When they attempted to have him pull over, Copson attempted to flee and struck Novsak in the process.

Copson was charged with aggravated assault, eluding police and possession of marijuana. He was placed in the county jail on $35,000 cash bail.

Police say Novsak was taken to ACMC with "serious bodily injuries." Sources within Township Hall say Novsak has a broken leg and internal injuries, and underwent surgery at ACMC soon after the incident. They say he is now out of surgery, but his condition was not immediately available.