Hit-and-Run Driver Sought by CHP

California Highway Patrol officers are looking for a hit-and-run driver after the motorist’s car sideswiped a CHP vehicle on California 23 on Tuesday and sped away.

CHP officers were called to a disturbance at the Janss Road exit of the Moorpark Freeway about 11 a.m. and parked their cars along the center divider on the northbound side. A white Ford Explorer that was attempting to pass another car about 80 mph struck the side of one of the patrol cars.

Officers from the CHP, Simi Valley Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in Thousand Oaks pursued the Explorer, but it got away, CHP Officer Scott Peterson said.

Authorities say the driver was a woman and that her Explorer now has damage on its rear left side, a smashed taillight and black paint from the patrol car.

“There’s probably enough damage on the car that we’ll end up finding her,” Peterson said. “She’ll probably be better off if she comes in. Otherwise, she’ll be arrested if we find her first.”