A Mendocino County sheriff's deputy suffered major injuries early Tuesday when his patrol car was hit by a speeding car, reported the CHP.
Deputy Orell Massey, 58, of Ukiah was hit while driving on North State Street at about 12:40 a.m.
"He's lucky to be alive," said Mendocino County Sheriff's Lt. Greg Van Patten.
Massey, a 15-year deputy, was expected to recover. He will remain in the hospital for at least a few days, said Van Patten.
The deputy was on patrol in Ukiah when he spotted a speeding car. He was slowing, planning to turn around and pull over the driver, said Van Patten.
When the 2005 Infinity began heading into his lane Massey attempted to get out of the way, Van Patten said.
Driver Casandra Guerra, 21, was going about 60 mph in the 45-mph zone and hit the left side of the deputy's 2009 Ford.
The Ukiah woman had minor injuries.
The CHP said she was driving too fast for the weather and road conditions, causing her car to drift.
Officers didn't believe alcohol or other impairment was a factor.
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