Police Car Struck; Officer Hurt

A suspected drunk driver crashed into a parked police cruiser early Monday morning, injuring the officer inside, the Los Angeles Police Department reported.

The crash occurred about 1:30 a.m. as Officer John Smith was working on the car’s on-board computer and his partner stood nearby questioning several pedestrians, according to Police Capt. Richard Wahler.

Smith was treated for cuts and bruises at Sherman Oaks Hospital and released Monday afternoon, Wahler said. He added that Smith would be on inactive duty indefinitely.

Just before the car struck the cruiser, which was parked in the 5900 block of Tujunga Avenue, Smith’s partner, John Miller, tried to warn Smith of the oncoming car but it was too late for Smith to react, Wahler said.

Jesus Irigoyen was arrested and booked on suspicion of felony drunk driving. “Irigoyen blew a 0.3% on his breath test,” Wahler said, referring to the alcohol Breathalyzer test. “That’s about four times the legal limit.”