MALIBU—A California Highway Patrol officer was struck by a hit-and-run driver while she was outside of her vehicle in Malibu on Wednesday, May 25. The officer was airlifted to UCLA Medical Center in serious condition after the collision took place.
As reported by ABC7, California Highway Patrol said the officer was investigating a traffic crash when she was struck by a vehicle on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, just north of Pacific Coast Highway, at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.
KTLA reported that the officer struck was a 39-year-old female and 14 year veteran of the CHP.
Authorities said Officer Flores was hit by a gray Cadillac XTS traveling at an unknown speed on the road. The driver fled the scene, but was found about seven miles north of the crash site. Once apprehended, he was identified as Prashant Amin. According to authorities, Amin was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run.
La Tuna Canyon and Malibu Canyon Roads were given as alternate routes for drivers to take, with Topanga Canyon Boulevard being closed while authorities completed their investigation.
The female officer is recovering at the hospital and her injuries are not considered life-threatening. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.