LAGUNA HILLS : CHP to Look at Sheriff’s Unit Crash

Authorities are investigating a collision Tuesday morning) between an Orange County sheriff’s patrol unit that was on its way to an accident and a vehicle driven by an 86-year-old woman.

Both sheriff’s Sgt. Jerry Carlsen and Laguna Hills resident Dorothy England were sent to Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo, treated for minor bruises and cuts, then released shortly after the accident, which occurred at the busy intersection of Alicia and Moulton parkways at 8 a.m.

“They both got off with bumps and bruises,” said sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Dan Martini. “They’re going to be fine.”

Carlsen, who is assigned to the city of Mission Viejo, was on his way to an accident scene when the collision took place.

As routinely occurs when a sheriff’s vehicle is involved in an accident, the California Highway Patrol has been asked to investigate.

CHP spokesman Bruce Lian said initial reports indicate that England may have run a red light and hit the patrol car on the passenger side.

However, “our reports are still very preliminary,” Lian said. “We’re still looking into the cause of the accident.”