Crime & Safety

Suspected DUI Driver Causes Head-On Crash With Sheriff's Deputy

The crash occurred at 1:09 p.m. on Murrieta Hot Springs Road at Interstate 215, according to preliminary reports.

A man who was allegedly driving under the influence crashed head on into an unmarked Riverside County Sheriff's Department patrol vehicle that was transporting two detainees today.

The crash occurred at around 1:09 p.m. on Murrieta Hot Springs Road at Interstate 215 in Murrieta.

Two male detainees, who were being transported by the deputy, suffered minor injuries. One complained of wrist pain and the other suffered a possible broken nose, according to Murrieta police Officer Rob Aberle.

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The deputy suffered a 4-inch-long cut on the left arm, Aberle said.

The middle-age man who allegedly caused the crash was arrested at the scene. He was driving a tan Volvo.

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Based on preliminary investigation, Aberle said it appeared the Volvo driver was heading westbound at about 15 mph when he crossed over into the eastbound lanes, in a possible attempt to enter the northbound freeway onramp.

The patrol car, which Aberle said may have been going about 5 mph, was being driven by a deputy assigned to an anti-gang unit and was traveling eastbound.

Murrieta police, California Highway Patrol, the Fire Department and sheriff's deputies were on scene.

Two eastbound lanes on the freeway overpass were closed for a time and traffic was heavy headed east on Murrieta Hot Springs, between the 15 and 215 freeways.

Both cars sustained major damages and had to be towed away.

The prisoner who suffered a broken nose was transported to the hospital. The deputy and other prisoner were treated on scene, Aberle said.

City News Service and Peter Surowski contributed to this report.


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