A Howard County police officer was hurt yesterday when her marked patrol car was struck by a vehicle driven by a civilian at Routes 97 and 144, police said.

Cpl. Mary Levy, 38, was driving south on Route 97 about 4:10 p.m. when a Honda Civic attempted to make a left turn and crashed into the driver's side of the patrol car, police said. Levy's cruiser went into a spin and hit a pole.

Levy, a 13-year veteran, was flown to Maryland Shock Trauma Center, police said, and was listed in serious but stable condition last night.

The driver of the Honda, Lisa Garcia, 27, of the 7700 block of Cortina Drive in Highland, was not injured, police said.

Garcia was issued a citation for failing to yield to the right of way on a left turn, police said.