Behind the Badge
The Garden Grove PD late Monday released dashboard camera footage of a suspected drunk driver who slammed head on into a police vehicle, seriously injuring himself. The officer escaped with minor injuries to his left hand and face.
Alexander Berlimo Lopez, 21, of Stanton, was arrested after he showed objective symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol, the GGPD said in a news release. Lopez also was driving without a license, the release said.
He and GGPD Officer Jared Doyle were transported to UCI Medical Center in Orange following the 3:30 a.m. incident Aug. 24. The officer was released from UCIMC and Lopez will be moved to Orange County Jail when his condition improves, the GGPD said in the release.
Doyle was going north on Knott Street near Stanford Avenue in a marked police car in the No. 1 lane when Lopez, going south in the No. 1 lane, crossed into the northbound lane and collided with the patrol car.
Doyle was able to veer slightly out of the way and possibly avoid more serious injuries, GGPD Lt. Bob Bogue said.
Other officers arrived on the scene almost immediately and requested additional resources.
In the video after the crash, which caused the dashcam’s screen to go dark and blurry, an officer can be heard asking Doyle if he is OK.
“Yeah, I can’t find the radio,” Doyle says. “I think I’m alright.”
Both vehicles sustained major damage in the smashup.
The case will be forwarded to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
To view CBS2/KCAL9 reporter Michele Gile’s interview with Doyle, click here.
