LAPD officer killed in a crash on early Saturday morning while another was injured after their patrol car was broadsided by a hit-and-run driver.
Authorities say that two police officers were involved in a car accident after their patrol car collided with an SUV during a pursuit with another car. One of the two LAPD officers was killed in a crash that occurred around 3:45 on Saturday morning while the other officer sustained injuries. The tragic incident took place at the intersection of President Avenue and West Anaheim Street.
According to the report, the officers were doing their routine patrol when they began following a Chevy Camaro that was traveling at a high speed. Los Angeles police Cmdr. Andrew Smith said that when the Chevy Camaro made U-turn, the officers also followed. When the police vehicle made that U-turn, a Chevy Tahoe suddenly collided into them.
Police said that when the collision happened, it was Officer Roberto Sanchez that was on the driver's seat. The LAPD officer killed in a crash was identified to be Sanchez. He is a 32 year-old six-year veteran of the LAPD who had worked at Harbor Division for two years.
The crash was reported to be so violent that it immediately destroyed the police radio that's why the officer in the passenger seat used his cell phone to call for help. The other officer who was not identified, was taken to County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center to receive treatment for his broken jaw and other injuries. He was also the best friend of the LAPD officer that was killed in a crash
On the other hand, officers said that the driver of the SUV immediately fled from the scene and called for help and was said to be picked up by a woman driver. The 26 year-old male suspect was later apprehended and was taken into the hospital for treatment and is now in custody. Factors such as alcohol and drug use that might contribute to the crash are still being investigated.
Sanchez is now the third LAPD officer killed in a crash while on duty. In March, Officer Nicholas Lee was also killed when his patrol car was hit by a dump truck while a motorcycle officer was struck and killed by a driver who was allegedly under cocaine influence.
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