A California Highway Patrol SUV was struck by an accused drunken driver early Sunday morning as the officers were helping a stranded driver, authorities said.
Two Santa Fe Springs CHP officers were helping a stranded driver at 2 a.m. when a car veered onto the right shoulder of the 605 Freeway just north of Telegraph Road.
Police said Clarence Williams, 38, was behind the wheel of his 1998 Cadillac Seville when the car struck the back of the CHP SUV.
The impact propelled the CHP SUV forward into the stranded driver's car. The car struck one of the officers, throwing him to the ground.
Williams was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The officer was taken to Whittier Hospital and the other officer was uninjured, CHP Officer Patrick Kimball said.
The officer is expected to be OK. No one in the stalled car was injured.
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"Seatbelts played a big role in safety," the agency said on social media.
A SigAlert was issued for two lanes on the northbound 605 Freeway shortly after the collision. All lanes were reopened at approximately 3 a.m.
"CHP vehicle struck this morning by a DUI driver while officers assisted stranded motorists. Don't drink & drive," CHP Santa Fe Springs tweeted along with a photo of the bashed bumper.
