Two Beachgoers Hit By Police Car In Long Beach

Two beachgoers were injured after they were struck by a Long Beach Police Department car driving on the sand in the city.

According to Newsday, the incident happened at about 8 p.m. Sunday night, when the police officer hit a couple in their 50s. They were taken to South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside for treatment.

"I am very hopeful that this will only entail minor injuries and that everyone is fine going forward," Police Commissioner William Tagney told Newsday.

According to The Daily News, the officer was driving to the water to warn people there was no lifeguard on duty when he hit the couple, who were lying under a beach blanket.

NBC reported that the officer, David Walpole, was a 32-year veteran of the police department. According to NBC, the case has been turned over to the District Attorney's office for investigation.

Photo: Patch