CHP motorcycle officer clipped by commuter crashes on 405 Freeway

A California Highway Patrol officer was hurt Tuesday after a vehicle crossed into his lane and clipped his motorcycle, sending him careening onto the 405 Freeway in Seal Beach, authorities said.

The crash, which was reported about 6:52 a.m. on the northbound side, resulted in multiple lane closures and a major traffic backup for morning commuters.

The motorcycle officer was taken to an area hospital for moderate injuries that weren’t considered life threatening, CHP Officer Denise Quesada said.

The vehicle that struck the officer fled the scene, Quesada said. Investigators were asking witnesses of the crash to come forward, or call the CHP at (714) 892-4426.

A SigAlert was issued about 10 minutes later as officials closed four lanes to collect evidence and talk to witnesses.

Television footage showed the officer’s motorcycle tipped on its side in a center lane.

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