Last Updated on August 31, 2019 by CCAR Staff
A Riverside Police officer was hospitalized Saturday night with injuries sustained in a crash related to the law enforcement response to a woman who had threatened to jump from a 91 Freeway overpass.
Minutes after officers had talked the woman out of jumping, detaining her and preparing to re-open the closed freeway, the westbound lanes of the freeway were again closed due to a collision between a Riverside Police vehicle and a Caltrans pickup, the CHP said.
The Riverside officer was seriously hurt in the crash and was hospitalized for injuries including broken bones, Riverside Police Officer Ryan Railsback said. The officer, a seven-year veteran, was stable with a good prognosis Saturday night, Railsback said.
“The Caltrans truck made a maneuver causing the officer to crash into him. My hunch is it was an accident,” Railsback said, adding that the CHP is investigating the exact cause.
The driver of the Caltrans truck was unhurt, said Terri Kasinga, a Caltrans spokeswoman.
Authorities had received a call about the possible jumper situation at about 3 p.m., prompting a total closure of the freeway, the CHP said.
The closure for both eastbound and westbound lanes was at Adams Street, according to the California Highway Patrol. Caltrans had instructed drivers to avoid the area and use an alternate route.
The situation was resolved and lanes were reopening by about 4:40 p.m.
“A distraught female had threatened to jump from the overpass but was eventually talked down by officers and safely detained,” Riverside police said in a tweet.
Though within minutes, the westbound lanes were again closed due to the collision involving the police and Caltrans vehicles. All lanes had re-opened by 6:42 p.m., Caltrans said.
Anyone with additional information about the crash involving the police and Caltrans vehicles was asked to contact the California Highway Patrol’s Riverside Area office at (951) 637-8000.
Anyone affected by suicidal thoughts or knows someone who may be suicidal can obtain help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, confidential support. The number is 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
