An Ottawa bylaw officer was sent to the hospital with a broken leg on Saturday night after a driver allegedly struck them with their vehicle in the ByWard Market, the city's police force says.

According to Ottawa police, the driver was uncooperative and tried to drive away while the officer was issuing a ticket.

In the process, the driver allegedly struck the officer.

Ottawa paramedics told CBC they took the officer to the hospital in stable condition at 8:50 pm.

The 35-year-old driver was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, dangerous operation and mischief to property.

The driver appeared in court on Sunday.

Riley Brockington, who chairs city council's the emergency and protective services committee, said assaults against bylaw officers are rare but do happen.

Bylaw officers receive extensive training to deal with situations that escalate, he added.