Four LAPD Officers Hospitalized After Patrol Vehicles Collide In Downtown LA

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Four Los Angeles Police Department officers were hospitalized on Thursday after their patrol vehicles collided while responding to a back-up call for assistance in downtown Los Angeles.

Just before 12:30 a.m., two patrol vehicles responded to aid officers who were in pursuit of a vandalism suspect on foot, according to the LAPD.

On the way to the scene, the cars crashed in the 200 block of 11th at Santee streets.

"It is a difficult place to navigate as there are a lot of one-way streets," said Officer Jeff Bert. "It doesn't negate the fact we do everything we can to get to a scene as quickly as we can. That is the biggest danger in law enforcement nationally."

According to police, one cruiser ran a red light a struck the fender of the other vehicle before crashing head on into a pole. The second vehicle stopped further down the street.

Airbags were deployed in both patrol vehicles.

Paramedics transported four officers to L.A. County USC Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.

Shortly after 4:30 a.m., three of the officers were released from the hospital after receiving treatment for minor injuries.

The fourth officer sustained a head injury, but is expected to survive.

Authorities plan to review in-car video as the investigation is ongoing.

The intersection of 11th at Santee streets will remain closed until 7 a.m., officials added.