LAPD patrol car goes airborne, lands on parked car

A Los Angeles police patrol car, responding to a call for back-up, went airborne in an attempt to avoid a vehicle that cut in front of it and landed on another car parked in a strip mall in South Los Angeles Friday morning.

Two officers were being treated for injuries suffered in the crash, said Sgt. Craig Valenzuela, watch commander of the 77th Street police station.

Valenzuela said the officers were responding to a call for officer back-up about 10:40 a.m. near Florence and Vermont avenues, with their lights and sirens on, when they were cut off by a red car. In an attempt to avoid the car, they swerved, hit a curb and flew into the air, landing on a car in the shopping center parking lot.

The case is still being investigated. The driver of the red car has not been charged, Valenzuela said.

-- Sam Quinones

Photo: A Los Angeles Police Department patrol car landed on top of a vehicle near Florence and Vermont avenues in South Los Angeles Friday. Credit: Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[SMEAR]

I love the driver of that red car...bless his, or her, soul.

[CarCan]

Way to rock it, boys. Love liv'n in Southland!! xox.

[cori]

I think u guys should have covered the license plate.

[Fez]

When you see/hear sirens get out of the way please. Its reckeless attmepting to beat the patrol car or ambulance.

[Red]

So who pays for the damage to the Sentra? LAPD? Or the city? This would be great if somebody caught it on video; then it could be used cinematically.

[Onboard skeptic]

Hey, Red, I had that exact thought while reading this!(the cinematic use of that scene for the benefit of future film directors).