PLAYA DEL REY (CNS) – A Los Angeles Airport Police motorcycle officer was injured in a hit-and-run collision with a car in Playa Del Rey today and a suspect was arrested less than two hours later, authorities said.
The officer was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries to both wrists, along with abrasions and contusions, said Rob Pedregon, a Los Angeles Airport Police spokesman. He was hospitalized in good condition following surgery, Pedregon said.
Francisco Arreola, 28, was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and felony hit and run, Pedregon said.
The collision occurred about 12:15 a.m. near West Manchester Avenue and Pershing Drive, Pedregon said.
After the crash, Arreola and his three male passengers got out of the car and ran off, but they were taken into custody after authorities set up a search perimeter in the area, Pedregon said.
Arreola was arrested about 2:10 a.m., and taken to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Station jail for booking, Pedregon said. None of the passengers was arrested, Pedregon said.
Anyone with information about the collision is urged to call the LAPD’s Pacific Station at (310) 482-6334, or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.