Authorities Looking For Car That Caused CHP Cruiser Rollover

CATHEDRAL CITY – The California Highway Patrol asked for thepublic’s help today in finding the driver of a black BMW that caused rollover crash that injured a CHP officer.

The crash happened on westbound Interstate 10 near Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City around 12:30 p.m. Friday, said CHP Officer Ramon Perez.

The officer, who is a 13-year veteran, was hospitalized with moderate injuries and was later released to recover at his home, Perez said.

The officer — whose name was not released — was in the fast lane of I-10 when he was cut off by the BMW, causing him to swerve and overturn his patrol car, according to Perez. The patrol car landed on its roof on the side of the freeway, he said.

The BMW was described as a late 1990s or early 2000 model with tinted windows. A driver who cuts off another motorist, causing an accident, and leaves the scene can be charged with hit-and-run, according to Perez.

Anyone who witnessed the crash was asked to call the CHP at (760) 772-8911.