Photo courtesy LoCO reader
A Fortuna Police vehicle struck a woman and her baby who were crossing 15th Street at Main this afternoon, crumpling the baby carriage under its fender. The incident was noted by both LoCO‘s CHP Watch and numerous readers.
Due to the fact that the incident involved a member of the Fortuna Police Department, the California Highway Patrol is investigating. CHP Sergeant Mike Campbell told LoCO that the officer’s patrol car struck the wheel of the stroller and possibly the mother. The woman reportedly suffered a small laceration to the leg after hitting the pavement while the child sustained a small laceration to its lip. Both were transported to Redwood Memorial Hospital in the patrol car and are expected to be OK.
Campbell says a press release with more information should be issued shortly. Below is scanner audio of the initial call for help:
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UPDATE: Press release from the CHP:
In the late afternoon of Friday, May 29, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Humboldt Area responded to an injury traffic collision involving a Fortuna Police Department patrol vehicle and a mother and her stroller which contained her two year old boy.
At approximately 4:02 p.m., 29 year old Erin Hudson of Fortuna was pushing her stroller with her 2 year old boy in the crosswalk at the intersection of 15th Street at Main Street. Fortuna Police Officer Erler was driving his patrol vehicle on 15th going northbound approaching Main Street. Prior to the collision, Officer Erler brought his patrol vehicle to a stop at the intersection.
The public is encouraged to call 9-1-1 if they suspect a drunk driver. Callers should be prepared to provide the vehicle’s description, license plate number, location, and direction of travel.
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