ESCONDIDO, CA (April 25, 2023) – An Escondido off-duty police officer was hit by a car on 15 Freeway Sunday morning on April 23.
The officer was on his way to work when the CHP was notified of a hit-and-run at 10:27 a.m. near Deer Springs Road. Traffic on the freeway had slowed because of a stalled vehicle on the shoulder. The officer got out of his vehicle to help direct traffic, the Escondido Police Department said. The officer’s wife and children were inside the vehicle.
A red Ford Focus was trying to get around the slow traffic by driving on the shoulder when the car hit the officer and knocked him onto the hood.
The officer sustained minor injuries, called EPD dispatch and gave them the license number of the car that struck him.
Police officers arrived at the scene and detained the driver of the Focus.
No other injuries were reported. An investigation is underway.
Always make sure to pay attention to your surroundings and look out for pedestrians on the road. You can prevent dangerous road accidents by being a responsible driver. Strictly follow traffic rules and do not drive while intoxicated.