LAPD Patrol Vehicle Struck by Suspected DUI Driver on 57 Freeway; 2 Officers Injured

FULLERTON, Calif., Nov. 21 (KNN) — Two Los Angeles Police Department officers were injured when their patrol vehicle was struck by a suspected DUI driver on the 57 Freeway early Tuesday morning.

The LAPD officers were on the 57 Freeway after a pursuit had terminated to look for an object the suspect had tossed onto the freeway when they were struck by a suspected DUI driver.

LAPD’s Newton Division officers were on patrol when they located a stolen vehicle in the area of Washington Boulevard and Maple Avenue around 12:17 a.m. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled and a pursuit was initiated, according to the LAPD’s news release of the incident.

“When the pursuit traversed the 57 Freeway near the Yorba Linda exit, officers broadcasted that the suspect threw an object out of the window onto the freeway,” stated the news release.

The pursuit terminated in the 11200 block of Atlantic Avenue in the city of Lynwood. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. A firearm and narcotics were recovered from the stolen vehicle, according to the LAPD.

The LAPD has identified the suspect as 31-year-old Jose Alinado, a resident of Compton, who was booked for felony possession of a firearm.

“Two Newton Division officers returned to the 57 Freeway to search for the object thrown from the stolen vehicle. During the search, the officers were struck from behind while seated in their patrol vehicle by a suspected DUI driver,” stated the release.

The LAPD reported both officers were transported to a local hospital and treated for significant head injuries which are considered non-life-threatening.

The DUI driver was also transported to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene and took the suspect into custody for suspected DUI. The CHP will be conducting the DUI and traffic collision investigations.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Newton detectives at (323) 846-5363. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 222-TIPS (800-222-3247) or directly to www.lacrimestoppers.

Gabriel Pabon, Video Journalist / KNN