CNS - A San Diego Police Department officer died and another officer suffered major injuries in a fiery crash in Clairemont Mesa late Monday night during a pursuit in which the suspect, a teenage boy, was also killed.
The crash between a police SUV cruiser and a BMW driver being pursued happened at 11:32 p.m. Monday in the 5200 block of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, according to OnScene TV, a video news service. The police cruiser caught on fire and one officer was ejected through the windshield of the SUV, the news service said.
One of the officers died in the crash and another officer was taken to a hospital with major injuries. The pursuit suspect who died at a hospital was a 14- or 15-year-old boy, the video news service said.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl was at the scene of the crash. At a news conference, he said that the officer who was in the passenger seat of the police cruiser was in a hospital intensive care unit in critical condition. ``I can't put into words that come out at a time like this,'' Wahl said. Police officers ``put their lives on the line for people they don't even know. Last night we lost a good one.''
County Supervisor Jim Desmond issued a statement on social media Tuesday: ``Horrific news this morning as we mourn the loss of one of our dedicated officers. Every day, these brave men and women put their lives on the line to keep our community safe. We must never take their service or their sacrifices for granted. My thoughts are with the officer's family, friends, and all who knew them during this difficult time. May they find peace and strength in the days ahead.''
(Photo reporting partner 10News)