A Jim Thorpe police officer, who was struck by a car driven by a drunk driver while performing his duties, has filed a civil suit seeking damages against the driver.

Joseph David, 115 Crescent Drive, Lehighton, has filed suit in Carbon County court against Robert Monroe, aka, Robert Wellington Monroe Jr., 53, and Kim McHugh, both of 116 Parker Trail, Albrightsville.Monroe was the operator of a vehicle that struck David on Nov. 30, 2011, along SR209 in Nesquehoning, just past the line with Jim Thorpe, as the police officer was directing traffic around a disabled vehicle.David sustained numerous injuries to his leg in the incident and had to undergo surgery for multiple fractures. David's injuries and resulting treatment is detailed in the civil suit.Monroe was charged by state police at Lehighton with multiple counts following the incident.On Oct. 22 Monroe pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a vehicle-while driving under the influence, accidents involving death or serious injury, both felonies, and a misdemeanor count DUI of a controlled substance.Sentencing is pending in the case.The suit alleges negligence and sought are damages in excess of $50,000 against both defendants. McHugh is named defendant as the owner of the vehicle Monroe was driving.David has since returned to work as a police officer for the borough.Attorney Jane Seblin, of Lehighton, filed the action on behalf of David.