I really don’t know how to feel about this one. The officer did suffer minor injury, so obviously Banger rammed him pretty hard… But, then again, Banger’s very life hung in the balance.

If one of the points of punishment is to dissuade that type of behavior, I don’t think this really qualifies. How often are you being robbed, and a police officer is within sight?

I think they should leave Mr. Banger alone here.

NC motorist avoids being robbed by hitting police

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — A Winston-Salem man was nearly robbed before he got the attention of a police officer — by ramming his car.

The incident happened about 4 p.m. Thursday when 34-year-old Melvin Banger agreed to give two men a ride. Police told the Winston-Salem Journal one man put a gun to Banger’s head and demanded money.

When Banger saw a police cruiser at an intersection, he ran the red light and hit the cruiser. Authorities said his passengers got out and ran.

Officer J.C. Smith suffered minor injuries, and Banger wasn’t hurt.

Police Lt. David Perry said Friday the district attorney will determine if Banger faces charges. A police spokesman said Friday that neither passenger has been found.