CHP officers on patrol crash in Rohnert Park

Two CHP officers following a speeding driver in Rohnert Park crashed early Monday when taking evasive action to avoid another car changing lanes in front of them.

The officers suffered minor injuries in the 2:30 a.m. crash, CHP Sgt. Erik Egide said.

The spinning patrol car hit a curb and smashed into a traffic control signal box and pole, knocking out signal lights at the corner of Golf Course Drive and the southbound entrance to Highway 101. Officers directed traffic until about 6 a.m. while repairs were made, Egide said.

CHP officers typically patrol in pairs during the graveyard shift. They spotted a speeding blue sedan heading east on Golf Course Drive and were attempting to catch it, reporting the driver was traveling about 60 mph in the 35 mph city street zone.

Near Redwood Drive, as they were attempting to catch up to the speeder, another vehicle moved in front of their patrol car and the driving officer swerved to avoid a collision, Egide said.

The other driver stopped and was helping with the crash investigation, he said. The speeding driver disappeared.

The patrol car, which wasn’t one of the department’s new SUV patrol vehicles, had major damage.

The crash, including how fast officers were traveling at the time, remained under investigation Monday, Egide said.