Long Beach police chief recovering after being hit by a truck while out for a walk

Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna is recuperating from injuries suffered when he was struck by a truck while walking around El Dorado Park, police said Saturday.

Luna was struck at approximately 3:45 p.m. Friday while walking near the El Dorado Nature Center, in a crosswalk on East Spring Street, said Long Beach Police Department Public Information Officer Arantxa Chavarria.

He was knocked down, into traffic lanes, but was able to call for medical aid himself. Paramedics rushed him to an area hospital and the driver of the truck stayed at the scene and cooperated with police, the department reported.

The extent of his injuries was not revealed, though officials said Luna is staying in constant contact with the assistant chief while he is recuperating.

“I want to thank the responding officers and park rangers, city staff, fire department personnel, medical staff and the many others that came to my aid during this incident,” Luna said. ``I also want to thank everyone for their well-wishes, and I am thankful for all the support that I am receiving while I recuperate.”