A California Highway Patrol officer remains in critical condition Sunday after being struck by a Tesla while he was helping move a stalled vehicle on the 5 Freeway.
According to CHP, the agency received multiple calls around 3 a.m. of a car blocking the No. 3 lane of southbound 5 Freeway. As officers responded, they helped push the vehicle to the right shoulder of the freeway.
Another driver in a Tesla then struck one of the CHP officers, who suffered serious injuries due to the impact. The officer was taken to a Providence Holy Cross Medical Center by a patrol vehicle.
CHP said the officer has been with the department for a few years.
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"It is very hard for all of us because CHP officers do put their lives on the line every day for the community," said CHP Seargent Dan Keene.
CHP said the driver of the Tesla stayed at the scene and has been cooperating with law enforcement.
Authorities don't believe drugs or alcohol were involved. It is unclear if self-drive mode was a factor in the incident.
