OXNARD : Man Hit by Police Car Seriously Hurt

An Oxnard man suffered serious head injuries when he was hit by a police vehicle while trying to elude officers, authorities said Saturday.

Brandon Dixon, 24, was arrested near the corner of 1st Street and Sarita Avenue at 9:45 p.m. Friday on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. But as officers tried to handcuff him, Dixon broke away and ran through a gas station lot. Officer Scott Whitney chased Dixon on foot and a nearby police car joined the pursuit, police said.

As Dixon crossed the intersection of Rose and Santa Lucia avenues, he scuffled with Whitney, who fell to the ground. Dixon then ran directly in front of a car driven by Officer John Avila, police said. Dixon, who was struck by the right front fender of Avila’s vehicle, was taken by the officers to Ventura County Medical Center, where he is listed in serious condition. An investigation is continuing, police said.