Detective in Crash in Critical Condition

San Diego Police Detective Jesse R. Almos remained in critical but stable condition Saturday after undergoing surgery to repair numerous broken bones and internal injuries sustained in a car crash Friday night, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Almos and three other undercover narcotics officers were injured when the unmarked car they were riding in hit a utility pole in downtown San Diego.

Almos was taken by Life Flight to UC San Diego Medical Center Friday night with broken legs, a broken pelvis and broken ribs. Officer James Boyd was treated at UCSD Medical Center and released Saturday; Officers Michael Gordon and Tony McElroy were treated and released Friday night at Physician’s & Surgeon’s Hospital.

Almos was driving the unmarked sedan east on L Street at 8:49 p.m. when the car skidded, spun around and slammed into a utility pole on the corner of L Street and 13th Avenue.

Witnesses said the officers appeared to be chasing another car before their car began to skid. Police intend to release a full report Monday, police spokesman Bill Robinson said.

Robinson confirmed Saturday that the men were given blood tests to determine whether they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the accident occurred, but results of the tests were not available.

“Obviously, the investigation is not complete,” Robinson said. “Thus far we have been unable to speak with the driver.”