Speeding Motorist On I-80 Triggers Collision Of CHP Officer, SUV

PINOLE, CA – A speeding driver's attempt to avoid being stopped by the California Highway Patrol Monday evening on Interstate 80 led to a collision between the motorcycle officer and another vehicle, authorities said.

Shortly before 6 p.m., the officer was trying to overtake and pull over the driver of a white Hyundai Sonata with paper plates that was traveling west at approximately 90 mph on the freeway near Willow Avenue in Hercules, the CHP said.

The Hyundai motorist initially slowed and appeared to be stopping, but then accelerated and fled at speeds of 90 mph to 100 mph, veering across all lanes and onto the shoulder, officers said.

The driver cut off a green Jeep Cherokee near Appian Way in Pinole, causing that person to lose control and crash into the center divider -- directly in front of the CHP motorcycle officer, who then struck the SUV, the agency said.

"Miraculously the motor officer and the Jeep driver did not sustain any injuries," the agency said. "The unknown driver of the white Hyundai Sedan with paper plates continued westbound on I-80 at high speeds in and out of traffic.

"Thank you to all the good Samaritans that stopped and assisted our motor officer and made sure he and the Jeep driver were OK. And we are all thanking our lucky stars that our officer and the Jeep driver avoided another possible tragic incident with a reckless and dangerous driver."

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--Image via CHP