2 Sonoma Sheriff's Deputies Collide On Highway 12

SONOMA VALLEY, CA — The California Highway Patrol and Sonoma County Sheriff's Office are investigating a crash New Year's Day on state Highway 12 between two Sonoma County sheriff's deputies in their patrol cars, a sheriff's official said Thursday.

The deputies, both assigned to the Sonoma Valley station, were dispatched at 5:25 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, to assist other deputies with a domestic violence call in the 6000 block of state Highway 12, sheriff's Sgt. Juan Valencia said.

The two deputies were driving separate patrol cars and both had their lights and sirens activated, the sergeant said.

"As they approached the home, the first deputy slowed down and was rear-ended by the second deputy," Valencia said.

Emergency medical personnel responded to the crash scene and treated one of the deputies for minor injuries.

The second deputy suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. The deputy has since been released from the hospital, Valencia said.

The rear-end collision caused the closure of Highway 12 near Melita Road for over an hour Wednesday evening.

A Sig-alert was issued at 6:19 p.m. for the highway closure. CHP officials said 30 feet of metal guardrail was damaged as well as posts and a road sign.

CHP is continuing its investigation into the cause of the wreck, and the sheriff's office is conducting an internal investigation, Valencia said.

"We appreciate the concern and support the community has shown for our two deputies," Valencia said. "Their names will be released later."

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.