San Diego

Suspect Arrested for Attempted Murder of Oceanside Police Officer

Officer Brad Hunter is a 29-year veteran of the department

A 26-year-old man who struck an Oceanside police officer conducting a traffic stop, and then fled the scene, has been arrested for attempted murder, Oceanside Police Department (OPD) Spokesman Tom Bussey announced Tuesday. 

Roberto Ignacio Flores, 26, of San Marcos, has been booked into San Diego County Central Jail on charges of attempted murder of a police officer and felony hit and run. 

Police said Flores was behind the wheel of the silver Dodge Neon that intentionally struck motorcycle officer Brad Hunter on Oceanside Boulevard, near Foussat Road. The location is south of State Route 76 and east of Interstate 5 near a series of stores. 

Flores stopped the car some distance away, Bussey said, and fled. A second passenger in the car, who has not been found, also fled the scene. 

Hunter, a 29-year veteran of the department, was injured and taken by an air ambulance to Scripps Memorial Hospital. He is recovering from his injuries. 

During the investigation, officers found what turned out to be the driver near El Camino Real and Industry. He was arrested and booked into County Jail. 

Officers continue to search for the passenger in the car. They do not have a description of him. 

No other information was immediately available.

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