EARLIMART, CA – CHP Officer Struck and Injured by Car on Highway 99

Stephen J Bawden Rear-Ends Patrol Officer’s Car on 99 Freeway in Tulare County

EARLIMART, CA (March 20, 2018) – A California Highway Patrol Officer responding to a reported vehicle collision, was hit by a car on Highway 99, on Tuesday evening.

According to CHP reports, a tractor-trailer rig heading south caught fire on Highway 99 at around 6 PM. The Tulare County Fire was trying to neutralize the fire when a blue Toyota Tundra and a white Audi collided near the truck-fire location.

The responding CHP officer parked his car behind the vehicles, to evaluate the collision on foot. As he was leaving the patrol car, a 2005 Chrysler, driven by Stephen J Bawden, rear-ended the officer’s vehicle.

In their first statement, CHP said that the injured officer sustained minor to moderate injuries. However, they later changed it stating that the officer received major injuries that are not life-threatening. Bawden reportedly sustained minor injuries from the impact of the collision. Both he and the CHP officer were transported to the Kaweah Delta Medical Center for treatment and evaluation.

CHP is encouraging witnesses to help them with their ongoing investigation by calling Beal at (559) 734-6767. No other information is available at the moment as officials continue to investigate.

It is important to always be alert and aware while on the road, especially when you’re on a highway or high speed-limit area. Obey traffic laws and be aware of your surroundings to avoid dangerous accidents. Keep yourself and others safe by driving carefully when behind the wheel.

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If you or someone you know has been injured in a road collision, contact the auto accident attorneys at Sweet Law Group. With over 40 years of experience in the legal field, we know what it takes to get the justice and compensation that you and your family deserve. We have dealt with cases including wrongful death, car accidents, personal injury, and disability. Call us at (800) 203-3061 for a free case evaluation by a legal professional in your area. You can also reach us by online chat, text message, and email.