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SLIDESHOW: A Mountain View police patrol vehicle was damaged in an alleged DUI crash on California Street near Chiquita Avenue on April 1, 2022. Courtesy Mountain View Police Department. -
SLIDESHOW: A Mountain View police patrol vehicle was damaged in an alleged DUI crash on California Street near Chiquita Avenue on April 1, 2022. Courtesy Mountain View Police Department. -
A Mountain View police patrol car sustained damage in an alleged DUI crash on California Street near Chiquita Avenue on April 1, 2022. Courtesy Mountain View Police Department. -
A Mountain View police patrol car sustained damage in an alleged DUI crash on California Street near Chiquita Avenue on April 1, 2022. Courtesy Mountain View Police Department.
An 18-year-old driver was cited for allegedly crashing into a Mountain View police patrol vehicle while under the influence on Friday night, sending an officer to a hospital, the department said Saturday.
The crash happened while the patrol officer and his K-9 were inside the police vehicle on California Street near Chiquita Avenue around 11 p.m. on April 1. The 18-year-old drove past a stop sign and broadsided them, according to a news release.
The officer was transported to a hospital where he was treated and later released, police said. The K9 was evaluated for injuries and found to be OK.
The 18-year-old was cited for driving under the influence.
“I am also glad no one was seriously injured,” police Chief Chris Hsiung said in the release. “This could have been far worse, and this is a moment we can all reflect on to ensure we are doing everything we can as a community to keep each other safe.”
In light of Friday night’s crash, police advised the public to choose alternative ways to get home if they’re under the influence, such as taking public transit or utilizing a ride share service. The department also reminded the community that road safety is a shared responsibility among all users.
It is fortunate everyone on the DUI accident was not seriously injured, including the K9. Even though this person will fightDUIcharges as an under 21 DUI offender and a first-time charge, he still could be facing a long license suspension under new California DUI laws passed this year. Hopefully at least he will be able to learn from this first DUI experience and not repeat the offense in the future.