Bear falls onto Humboldt County sheriff’s deputy’s car

A Humboldt County deputy was answering a call when a bear fell or jumped onto the car, smashing the hood and windshield and causing the car to hit an embankment and burst into flames.|
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ASSOCIATED PRESS

HOOPA - They probably don’t train people for this at the Sheriff’s Academy.

A patrol car was struck by a falling bear in Humboldt County last weekend.

A Humboldt County sheriff’s deputy was driving on State Route 96 on Aug. 3, answering a report of a drug overdose in the community of Orleans, when the bear fell or jumped onto the car, apparently from a steep embankment, authorities said.

The bear smashed the hood and windshield. The patrol car hit an embankment, rolled onto its side and burst into flames.

The deputy managed to escape without serious injury.

The fire was contained to about half an acre but the car was gutted.

“Don’t worry, the bear also fled the scene,” Caltrans said.

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