A motorist was injured Thursday in a collision involving a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department patrol vehicle at an intersection adjacent to the county hospital in Moreno Valley.
The crash happened just after 11 a.m. Thursday at Cactus Avenue and Nason Street, which is less than a half-block from the main entrance to Riverside University Medical Center, according to the county fire department.
The agency stated that two engine crews were sent to the location and found the patrol SUV and a sports sedan with moderate damage from an impact in the middle of the intersection.
Specific details were not immediately available, including whether the patrol vehicle had been responding to a call with lights and siren.
The deputy was not hurt and exited his vehicle without incident after the collision. However, the motorist, whose identity was not disclosed, was reportedly unable to get out of his Ford Mustang Mache-E, requiring assistance from firefighters.
The party was taken by ambulance on the 30-second trip to the hospital’s emergency room for treatment of minor injuries, according to reports from the scene.
California Highway Patrol officers were summoned to handle the investigation, which is common practice when a sheriff’s unit is involved in a collision.
Officers partially shut down the intersection to gather details and arrange for a tow truck to remove the Ford.
The closure was expected to be lifted by 1 p.m.