Alleged car thief riding bicycle crashes into CHP during pursuit

The California Highway Patrol arrested a suspect accused of stealing a vehicle in Palm Springs on Wednesday afternoon. Officers said the suspect was trying to evade arrest while riding a bicycle, and ended up crashing into a CHP patrol vehicle that was pursuing the alleged thief.

The collision happened shortly before 1 p.m. near Ramon Road and Oleander Road, the CHP said in a news release.

Officers said the suspect first ran from authorities and then hopped on the bicycle. The CHP officer was driving next to the suspect when the suspect turned left, directly into the side of the patrol vehicle, according to the release.

The suspect sustained minor injuries in the collision and was treated at the scene before being taken to Desert Regional Medical Center. The officer wasn’t hurt in the collision, the CHP said.

The CHP is handling the investigation. Officers said the suspect’s name is being withheld at this time to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.

KESQ and CBS Local 2 will deliver more details as the investigation moves forward.