San Diego

CHP: Driver Runs Red Light, Collides With Police Patrol Car

The truck driver went through a red light at Poinsettia and Fuerte Avenue, CHP officials said

Four people were injured Sunday when a Vista man ran a red light and collided with a Carlsbad Police vehicle, California Highway Patrol officers said. Two of those injured were police officers.

Juvenal Gonzalez, 41, of Vista was driving an F-150 pickup eastbound on Poinsettia Lane at 7:14 p.m. when he approached the intersection at El Fuerte Street.

CHP investigators said Gonzalez ignored a red light and as a result, collided with a Carlsbad police patrol car traveling north on El Fuerte.

The pickup truck overturned. The patrol car sustained significant front-end damage.

Two officers were rushed to Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas where they were treated for minor injuries, officials said.

Gonzalez suffered severe head injuries, police said, and was airlifted to Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego.

A passenger in the truck, described by police as a 41-year-old Encinitas man, was also injured and transported to the same hospital as the driver.

Gonzalez was under the influence of alcohol, CHP investigators said. Once he recovers from his injuries he will face felony charges, officials said.

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