Details Released In Temecula SR-79 Crash Involving RivCo Deputy

TEMECULA, CA — Details were released about a crash late Thursday afternoon involving a Riverside County sheriff's deputy on state Route 79 South in unincorporated Temecula.

The California Highway Patrol reported the two-vehicle crash at 4:50 p.m. on SR-79 South and Pacific Sunset Drive.

The 52-year-old deputy who lives in Murrieta was in a marked Ford Explorer on Pacific Sunset, stopped on a red light at the intersection. When the light turned green, he proceeded to go, according to the CHP's preliminary report.

A 54-year-old Toyota Tacoma pickup driver from Temecula was heading east on SR-79 at about 50-55 mph when he ran his red light, broadsiding the left side of the deputy's SUV, the report stated.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department's Maggie Cline De La Rosa said the deputy self-extricated from the wreckage and was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The CHP described the deputy's injuries as minor to moderate.

The Toyota driver's injuries were described as minor by the CHP; he was not sent to a hospital.

No arrests were made.

Eastbound SR-79 South lanes were temporarily closed due to the crash.

"The CHP would like to remind the motoring public to always pay attention to traffic signs and signals," the agency said. "Red means stop. Respect traffic signals for your safety and the safety of others. Obey red lights, and wait patiently until it's safe to proceed."

The CHP is continuing to investigate the incident.