Motorist Arrested After Attempting to Run Over CHP Motorcycle Officer

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, April 20, 2000

"Motorist Arrested After Attempting to Run Over CHP Motorcycle Officer"

Los Angeles – On Wednesday, April 19, 2000 at approximately 7:50 PM, California Highway Patrol (CHP) motor officer Gary Ninman was traveling southbound Harbor Freeway near Manchester Avenue, when a vehicle struck the rear of the officer’s motorcycle, causing the motorcycle to become briefly lodged in the front grille of the suspect’s vehicle. The vehicle then briefly separated from the motorcycle. The vehicle’s driver then, again, accelerated forward and collided with the CHP motorcycle, causing the officer to fall from the motorcycle. Passers by rendered aid to the injured officer.

The front license plate of the vehicle was recovered at the scene of the incident. Officers conducted a follow-up investigation to the residence of the registered owner. The vehicle was found parked with evident collision damage. A short period of time later, a male entered the vehicle and drove from the scene. Los Angeles Police officers followed the vehicle a short distance at which time the vehicle stopped. The male driver was detained for investigation. A 15-year old male, a nephew of the male driver, then approached the officers and admitted to previously driving the vehicle and striking the CHP officer.

Both persons were transported to Southeast Area for further investigation. The juvenile was ultimately arrested for the assault on the officer. The adult male was not involved in the assault on the officer and was arrested for driving under the influence. A pre-booking search resulted in the recovery of cocaine.

The CHP officer suffered a broken wrist and numerous abrasions.

Robbery Homicide Division is conducting the investigation. Please direct all inquiries to the Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.

For Release 2:00 pm PST
April 20, 2000