Authorities say a driver suspected of being under the influence slammed into a marked Chula Vista police cruiser at Olympic Parkway and Santa Venetia Street today, leaving three people hurt and a DUI arrest in its wake.
The officer in the patrol vehicle and two people in the other car were taken to nearby trauma centers, with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The driver of the sedan was arrested at the scene on suspicion of DUI, according to police.
Crash at Olympic Parkway and Santa Venetia
According to FOX5 San Diego, a white four-door sedan ran a solid red light at a high rate of speed before plowing into the patrol car. The outlet reports that the officer was rushed to a trauma center, and the two occupants of the sedan were also transported to a nearby trauma center with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Police told FOX5 San Diego that the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence right there at the intersection.
Investigation and witness tips
Per the Chula Vista Police Department press log, the department's traffic division is leading the investigation, and detectives believe alcohol was a factor in the collision.
Officers are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant video to contact the CVPD Traffic Bureau or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through San Diego County Crime Stoppers.
Why Olympic Parkway matters
Olympic Parkway has already been on residents' radar as a trouble spot, with a steady drumbeat of speeding complaints and collision reports along the corridor. Small fixes have started to appear, including a radar speed sign installed along the roadway.
ABC 10News reported on that sign and noted that neighbors have been pushing for more enforcement and engineering changes. Drivers and residents say the long, wide stretches invite speeding that local officials have been trying to get under control.
What happens next
Police say the driver remains in custody while prosecutors weigh formal charges and investigators complete crash reconstruction and evidence collection. The CVPD Traffic Division will handle the full investigation and any referral to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, according to the department.
FOX5 San Diego provided the initial details released by officers at the scene.
