Deputy Crashes Into Bodega Bay House During Pursuit

SONOMA COUNTY, CA – A Sonoma County deputy was hospitalized this morning after his pursuit of a speeding theft suspect ended with him crashing into a Bodega Bay home, causing the house and the patrol vehicle to catch fire, according to authorities.

The occupants of the residence, on the 600 block of Highway 1, escaped without injury, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said today.

Both directions of state Highway 1 near Bodega Bay in unincorporated Sonoma County were closed after the solo-vehicle accident, but have since reopened.

At about 4 a.m., the deputy spotted in the Bodega Bay area a vehicle possibly connected to recent thefts, and as he drove toward the car, the driver sped off at speeds exceeding 90 mph and 100 mph, the department said.

Shortly after 5 a.m. during the chase, the deputy slammed into the house, according to officials. He managed to get out of the car, and, with the aid of another deputy, helped the residents safely leave their house.

"Shortly after, the patrol car caught fire and the house was engulfed in flames," the agency said.

The injured deputy was taken to a local hospital and is expected to fully recover from his injuries, which were not disclosed by the sheriff's office.

The deputy was not identified, and the California Highway Patrol is handling the investigation into the incident, deputies said.

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--Images via Sonoma Sheriff