A truck driver who struck and severely injured a California Highway Patrol officer has been charged with DUI and possession of a controlled substance.
California Highway Patrol Officer Severely Injured In Crash
On Saturday around 3:30 a.m., CHP officer Vincent Smith was responding to an earlier hit and run crash on Highway 50 in Sacramento. As he tried to move vehicles out of the way, a FedEx Ground truck driven by 41-year-old Gregory Anthony Ramirez crashed into his cruiser.
Smith was hit during the crash, but it is still unclear if he was hit by the truck or if the truck’s collision with his cruiser caused it to hit him. He suffered severe injuries to his upper and lower torso.
Smith is an 18 year Highway Patrol veteran.
Truck Driver Arrested For Felony DUI
Ramirez was arrested and charged with felony DUI and possession of a controlled substance.
This is the third CHP officer in two months who was hit by a vehicle while responding to a crash.
FedEx released a statement regarding the incident: “FedEx Ground is committed to safety as our top priority and we hold anyone providing service on our behalf contractually responsible for operating safely and complying with the law. We are fully cooperating with investigating authorities and will take the appropriate action to address this matter.”
Sources:
Fox News
CBS Sacramento
NBC Bay Area