DPS car struck on I-10 shoulder in Tempe; 3 briefly trapped

by John Genovese - Jan. 27, 2012 11:34 PM
The Arizona Republic-12 News Breaking News Team

A Department of Public Safety patrol car was struck by another vehicle Friday night in Tempe, briefly trapping an officer and two passengers inside, authorities said.

The incident happened about 9:20 p.m. on the eastbound shoulder of Interstate 10, near the junction for U.S. 60.

The officer was transporting two people, whose car was being towed, from the scene of an earlier collision when another vehicle apparently collided into the patrol car and a nearby tow truck, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Firefighters pulled the officer and two passengers from the patrol car about 9:40 p.m, officials said.

A DPS spokesman told 12 News the driver may have been impaired.

Officials said all four people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Several lanes on I-10 were briefly closed as authorities investigated the incident.

Check back with azcentral.com for updates.

12 News reporter William Pitts contributed to this article.

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