Aliso Viejo's Chief Of Police Injured In Collision

ALISO VIEJO, CA — Three were injured, one seriously, in a traffic crash in the Aliso Viejo area Wednesday morning. The five-vehicle collision involved a pedestrian, according to Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Carrie Braun. All lanes reopened by 11 a.m., according to witnesses from the scene.

"Our Chief of Police Services Lt. John MacPherson was seriously injured this morning just days before his retirement when a motorist ran a red light and plowed into his vehicle as he drove to work," a spokesperson for the City of Aliso Viejo said. "This was a 5-vehicle accident on Alicia Parkway at Pacific Park that could have been avoided. Please obey the rules of the road at all times. Don't text and drive, don't drink & drive or do anything that will distract you from the road."

The crash was being investigated by the California Highway Patrol, which routed traffic away from the area.

"The call came in at 7:06," Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz said. Three people were taken to Mission Hospital. The severity of their injuries was not known at the time of this report.

The crash was reported about 7:25 a.m. at Alicia Parkway and Pacific Park Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol.

"We are grateful our OCSD - Aliso Viejo Police Services Chief is OK and all involved but it could have been much worse," the AV spokesperson said.

Traffic was routed away from the area while an investigation was conducted.

Photo: Courtesy Aliso Viejo City