OCEANSIDE, CA (December 13, 2022) – A DUI suspect, identified as Jonathan Shipp Sr., allegedly crashed head-on into an Oceanside Police Department patrol car with an officer inside it today, sending the driver and the officer to a hospital.
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The officer was monitoring traffic in the 1200 block of Vista Way just after 1:30 a.m. when the accident occurred, the Oceanside Police Department reported.
The suspect, 35-year-old Jonathan Shipp Sr. of Escondido, was driving a white Kia Optima and exited State Route 78 westbound at a high rate of speed, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle as it entered Vista Way, according to police.
Shipp, who is on probation for previously driving under the influence, drove up onto a raised center island and collided with the parked patrol vehicle, police said.
The impact caused airbags in both cars to deploy and pushed the patrol vehicle over 40 feet from its parked location. Both vehicles sustained significant front-end damage and were labeled disabled, according to police.
The injured officer immediately exited his patrol car and rushed to aid the suspect, according to authorities, who added that smoke and fire from the suspect’s car began to emit from the engine compartment.
A nearby resident also came to help the officer rescue the suspect from his vehicle, prying the door open with a crowbar, police reported.
The officer and suspect were taken to hospitals with non-life- threatening injuries.
Alcohol bottles were found in the suspect’s car and the driver showed signs of intoxication, which resulted in Shipp’s arrest for suspicion of felony driving under the influence with injury, police said.
The Oceanside Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team was investigating the incident. Anyone with information about the crash was asked to contact Investigator Kevin Lissner at 760-435-4651.
[via CNS]
Liability In Oceanside DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Jonathan Shipp’s DUI crash in Oceanside
We at Accident News Now extend our well wishes to the officer injured in this collision, and to Jonathan Shipp Sr., and hope they have a speedy recovery. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Oceanside? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.