Officer Is Beaten, 2nd Hurt in Crash

A Westminster police officer responding to another officer’s call for backup was injured Sunday in a collision, authorities said.

An officer had requested assistance after two males fled on foot during a routine traffic stop near Bushard Street and McFadden Avenue at 10:41 p.m. During the chase, the two struck the officer twice with a shovel, said Sgt. Jack Davidson. The officer was slightly injured when his attackers knocked him to the ground before they fled.

Less than three minutes later, a cruiser driven by the assisting officer collided with a Ford Taurus at McFadden Avenue and Magnolia Street, Davidson said. The vehicles were both traveling at high speeds, Davidson said.

The driver of the Ford, Tu Nguyen, 52, of Fountain Valley, suffered a broken leg. The officer suffered head injuries. Both were taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange, where they were reported in stable condition, Davidson said.

The first officer was was treated and released, Davidson said. Neither officer’s name was released.

The officer’s attackers were described as adult white males in their early 20s, about 5-foot-9, average weight, with short hair and wearing dark clothing, said Lt. Ron Weber. Their car, a white Toyota Camry, was reported stolen in Santa Ana.