Two California Highway Patrol officers were injured early this morning when a suspected DUI driver crashed into their patrol car, which then struck them, as they stood on the westbound freeway shoulder near Vallejo.
One officer suffered major injuries and was flown by CHP helicopter to a local trauma center, where he was reported in stable condition. The second officer was transported to a local hospital by ground ambulance and has since been released.
The driver, whose name was not released, was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.
Events unfolded around 2 a.m. as the officers worked a traffic stop on westbound Interstate 80 east of American Canyon Road. A motorist in a sport utility vehicle approached, drove on the shoulder and struck the patrol car, which then hit the officers, officials said.
The driver of the SUV reportedly complained of pain.
The driver whom officers had stopped was uninjured.
Three freeway lanes were closed as the scene was processed.
Officials expressed thanks to first responders in a social media post.
“The immediate response from American Canyon Police Department, Solano County Sheriff, Fairfield Fire Department, Fairfield, CA Police Department, Vallejo Fire Department, Napa Police Department, CHP – Golden Gate Division Air Operations, and the numerous CHP offices from across the Bay Area and Sacramento region that sent personnel to assist was incredible, and very much appreciated,” the post read. “A big thank you to the tow truck operators that also rushed to the scene to assist however they could. Finally, we have to thank the doctors, nurses, and all other hospital staff that provided the best treatment possible to our officers.
“We would also like to thank all of you, the citizens we serve, for the outpouring of support for our injured officers since this incident occurred. Every message, post, comment, and email is seen and appreciated by not only us, but also the families of the officers involved.”
The matter remains under investigation.
Source: www.mercurynews.com