Officer Hit When Patrol Car Struck

Posted on May 26, 2014 | Written By: iadminlaw

A California Highway Patrol Officer was injured when he was struck by a car Sunday morning. The officer sustained two broken legs.

The vehicle, driven by a woman leaving the Graton Resort & Casino, drifted onto the shoulder and struck the officer and the patrol car.

The officer, named Steven Rutledge, was standing on the passenger side of his patrol car leaning in to check something on his computer when he and the vehicle were struck.

The accident happened on northbound Highway 101 at Todd Road around 8 a.m., according to authorities.

The woman’s vehicle, driven by 22-year-old Rachel Garris of Corning, drifted so far off the highway and onto the shoulder that the right side of the patrol car was heavily damaged.

The impact from the collision threw Rutledge into the car. The patrol car ended up in the middle lane of traffic on the highway.

According to what Garris told investigators, she had just left the casino where she had been with friends. “We’re working with the casino to establish a timeline for her,” said California Highway Patrol spokesperson Jon Sloat.

Investigators are looking into whether fatigue was the cause of the accident. According to Sloat, drugs and alcohol have been ruled out as the cause.

After being struck, the patrol car began leaking gasoline. The driver of the car Rutledge initially stopped was able to pull the officer, who was unconscious, from the patrol car. Gariss sustained minor injuries, while the man who pulled Rutledge from the car was not inured.

Rutledge was being treated at Santa Rosa memorial Hospital where he had surgery scheduled for the afternoon. No charges have been filed as of this time.

If you need a car accident lawyer call iAccidentLawyer at 800-920-0810.

Source: The Press Democrat