Two California Highway Patrol officers on a Riverside freeway were injured Monday when their patrol car was hit by a suspected drunk driver, authorities said.
The black-and-white vehicle had its emergency lights flashing while it was stopped about 5:25 a.m. in the center divider to help the driver of a vehicle that had overturned on the 215 Freeway near Central Avenue. The officers were in the front seat and the driver of the vehicle was in the rear seat, the CHP said.
A driver identified as Armando Ochoa, 31, of Riverside, slammed into the CHP vehicle with his Chevrolet Blazer while traveling about 65 mph, the CHP said. Ochoa had lost control of his vehicle, which rotated slightly before striking the patrol car.
The officers sustained minor to moderate injuries and were treated at a hospital. The driver of the overturned vehicle declined medial assistance, the CHP said.
Ochoa was arrested and booked into Riverside County Jail on suspicion of felony drunk driving and driving without a license, according to the CHP.
— Robert J. Lopez