A Nassau Highway Patrol officer is fighting for his life at Nassau University Medical Center intensive care after his cruiser was rear-ended.

Police say Officer Gennaro Ferraro pulled over a car on the LIE near exit 48 Sunday when 24-year-old Paul Reid, of Brentwood, struck his vehicle. Police rushed the 22-year police veteran to NUMC with head and back injuries.

Reid, who suffered a possible collapsed lung, and his passenger, Jorge Roman, who suffered a broken leg, were also taken to the hospital.

Reid faces numerous charges, including DWI, vehicular assault and unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Police say they found a vodka bottle in his car. Authorities are still investigating how fast Reid was going, but the impact sent the cruiser's rear right tire under the front passenger's seat.

If convicted, Reid could face seven years in prison.

Ferraro was involved in a similar accident on St. Patrick's Day.