KTLA

Suspected DUI driver crashes into California Highway Patrol officers

California Highway Patrol officers survey a scene in California on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021. (Eric Paul Zamora/The Fresno Bee via AP)

A suspected DUI driver was arrested after crashing into two California Highway Patrol officers in Thousand Oaks Thursday.

Shortly before 3 a.m., two CHP officers had pulled a driver over and were parked on the right-hand lane of Moorpark Road, just north of the 101 Freeway.


Their emergency lights were activated as they spoke to the driver, authorities said. 

The suspect, Agustin Baltazar Trinidad, 43, was driving nearby and as he approached the officers, he crashed into their patrol car, officials said.

Both CHP officers and the suspect were transported to a local hospital for treatment. They are expected to make a full recovery.

Following an investigation, Trinidad was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury.

“Tragically, incidents like this happen all too often and demonstrate the dangers when individuals make the reckless decision to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said CHP Commander Heather Hoglund. “The CHP is committed to ensuring the safety of all motorists and will continue efforts to remove impaired drivers from the road.”

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information on the case is encouraged to call CHP’s Moorpark office at 805-553-0800.