An on-duty Chula Vista police officer riding a motorcycle was struck by a car in Ramona on Wednesday afternoon, according to police.
The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. on state Route 78 at Earlham Street. Three cars were involved in addition to the motorcycle.
A 61-year-old driver in a sedan was traveling east on SR-78 when they stopped to make a left turn, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Pennings. The driver was then hit by a 17-year-old that did not stop, which forced the sedan to collide with oncoming traffic. The sedan then hit the motorcycle officer, who went flying into the teenager's windshield.
CHP officials believe the teenage driver was texting on the road.
"Any charges or citations will be determined at the conclusion of the investigation. Its too early to speculate, but I can tell you that there's evidence to indicate she was using her telephone via text just prior to the collision," said CHP Officer Brian Pennings.
The teenager was driving on a provisional license, according to authorities.
Officials said the officer injured in the collision is a training class instructor of the motorcycle academy and was training in Ramona during the incident. He has been airlifted to Palomar Hospital's trauma unit with major injuries.
The 61-year-old and teenager were also transported to the hospital with moderate injuries.
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Both sides of SR-78 are closed while CHP investigates the situation. A SigAlert has been issued.
The officer's name has not been released.
Check back for updates on this story.
