Hit-And-Run Crash: Oceanside Police Officer Hit By Car, Airlifted To Hospital

Updated at 7:25 p.m. Monday:

OCEANSIDE, CA – A hit-and-run crash near Buddy Todd Park left an Oceanside police motorcycle officer injured and a suspect in custody Monday.

The lawman was conducting a traffic stop on Foussat Road at Oceanside Boulevard when a silver Dodge Neon occupied by two men turned onto the street and hit him about 10:30 a.m., according to the Oceanside Police Department.

The driver of the compact car continued on to the south, then made a left turn onto Industry Street and fled to the east for several blocks before pulling to a stop in the middle of the roadway near El Camino Real. He and his passenger then jumped out of the vehicle and ran off, OPD spokesman Tom Bussey said.

With help from witnesses, officers took one of the suspects into custody a short time later at a nearby light-rail station. It was unclear if he had been driving the Dodge or riding in it, Bussey said.

The detainee's cohort remained at large Monday afternoon.

Medics airlifted the motorcycle officer, who was conscious and alert following the crash, to a trauma center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The patrolman, whose name was not released, has been with the Oceanside Police Department for more than 25 years, according to Bussey.

Stretches of Foussat Road and Industry Street were closed for a time to allow for investigation of the crash.

By City News Service

Original story:

OCEANSIDE, CA – An Oceanside police officer was airlifted to a local hospital after being struck by a car in a hit-and-run crash Monday morning, police said.

The motorcycle officer was conducting a traffic stop around 10:30 a.m. at Oceanside Boulevard and Foussat Road when a car hit him, according to the Oceanside Police Department.

The driver fled the scene but was taken into custody several blocks away, at Industry Street and El Camino Real, Oceanside police spokesman Tom Bussey said. His name was not immediately available.

Medics airlifted the injured officer, who was conscious and alert following the crash, to a hospital. The extent of his injuries was unclear.

Stretches of Foussat Road and Industry Street remained closed through late morning due to the accident.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Image via Shutterstock