Riverside police patrol unit involved in 2-car crash

At least one person was hurt today in a two-car crash involving a Riverside police patrol unit.

The collision happened around 2:05 p.m. at the intersection of Gramercy Place and La Sierra Avenue near La Sierra Park, according to Riverside police.

Lt. Guy Toussaint said a patrol officer was en route to assist fellow officers in searching for a suspect who had fled from a traffic stop when he broadsided a driver who turned in front of him.

“The officer was traveling northbound on La Sierra with lights and sirens going when an individual going south on La Sierra began a left turn (onto Gramercy), causing the officer to run into him,” Toussaint said.

The driver, who was not immediately identified, was transported by ambulance to Parkview Community Hospital with unspecified injuries.

The police officer was taken to Riverside Community Hospital for evaluation.

“Doesn’t sound like they’re in serious condition,” Toussaint said.

Reports from the scene indicated the motorist may have been intoxicated.

Both vehicles sustained major damage.