Motor officer injured in hit-and-run

Mary A. Castillo

Laguna Beach motor officer Tom Cusson was injured in a traffic

collision while pursuing a speeding motorist on Laguna Canyon Road at

7:20 a.m. Wednesday.

“Officer Cusson was going eastbound when he was unable to stop in

time to avoid a car in between lanes,” Sgt. Darrin Lenyi said. The

impact threw Cusson from his bike. He hit another car and then landed

on the pavement. The accident occurred near the 73 Toll Road.

According to witness statements given to police, the suspected

traffic violator pulled his red truck with white stripes to the side

of the road.

“He looked at the downed officer, jumped in the car and sped off,”

Lenyi said.

Cusson was transported to Mission Hospital, where he was last

reported in good condition. Lenyi expected that he would be released

Thursday.

The California Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation.