Couple Killed, Son Hurt in Crash With Police Car

A West Covina couple was killed and their young son injured Monday when their subcompact car was broadsided by a police car rushing to aid an officer who was being shot at.

Johnny Daniels, 42, and his wife Barbara, 38, were pronounced dead on arrival at Queen of the Valley Hospital, less than a block from the accident, said Lt. Dan Leonard. Johnny Daniels Jr., 5, was in fair condition, a hospital spokeswoman said. Johnny Daniels was turning left from Sunset Avenue into the family’s apartment complex when the southbound police car struck the Volkswagen Rabbit at 12:10 a.m., Leonard said. The child, who was in the back, was wearing a seat belt. Police did not know whether the parents were wearing theirs.

The unidentified police officer, who suffered cuts and bruises, was put on leave, Leonard said. He said he did not know whether the police car was going faster than the 40 m.p.h. speed limit or using its siren or flashing lights.