1620 5th AvenueA San Diego police officer was critically injured after his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver, according to the Sacramento Bee. A suspected drunk driver in a red pickup truck hit the cruiser after speeding through a red light around 2:30 a.m., according to Police Lieutenant Dan Plein.
The officer was identified as Travis Bentley, a 24-year-old rookie on the force.
The truck hit the drivers’ side of the car as the Officer Bentley was sitting in at a complete stop. He was trapped in the car before firefighters were able to free him. The officer was taken to the hospital with broken bones and internal injuries. The driver of the truck suffered minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.
Doctors told reporters they expect Bentley to remain in the hospital no less than 10 days and he faces a long recovery. The dangers of drinking and driving are evident, and it is tragic that they occur frequently over the holidays.
“It’s unacceptable,” said Assistant Chief Boyd Long. “Enough is enough.”
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1620 5th Avenue