Wow

S.B. County sheriff's deputy OK after ultimate close call
By Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
Article Launched:10/18/2006 11:58:05 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy avoided serious injury early Wednesday after a suspected drunken driver crashed into his stopped patrol car and the driver's vehicle flipped 360 degrees over two cars, police said.
"Had he not ducked, there's a possibility he would have been decapitated," said Rancho Cucamonga police Detective Mike Landavazo on Wednesday.

The accident occurred at 1:45 a.m. at Center Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

San Bernardino County sheriff's Deputy Alexander Pangburn, a 10-year veteran, was treated and released from Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, Landavazo said. He received a cut to his face, injuries to his ribs and is suffering from back pain, he said.

Pangburn was conducting a traffic stop on a 1989 Dodge Dakota that had traveled eastbound on Foothill, just east of Center. He parked his Crown Victoria cruiser behind the Dodge. He approached the Dodge on the driver's side and talked with the driver.

A 2006 Kia minivan then drove eastbound on Foothill and Center before it went toward the patrol car at speeds around 50 to 60 mph. The van crashed into the back of the patrol car, which pushed the car into the back of the Dodge truck that had been stopped by Pangburn.

The Kia then went airborne and completed a 360-degree roll over Pangburn, who stood beside the Dodge.

"It was like something out of a movie. It literally went over him and came to a rest in front of the Dodge Dakota," Landavazo said.

The Kia driver, Israel Ramirez, 36, of Rancho Cucamonga, was extricated from the Kia and transported to Arrowhead Regional. His injuries were not life-threatening, Landavazo said.

The Dodge driver was not injured and was released from the scene.

Ramirez was not arrested because police are waiting for toxicology reports, Landavazo said.

Landavazo said he believes alcohol was a "major factor" in the crash. The crash is under investigation.

San Bernardino County sheriff's spokeswoman Jodi Miller said the patrol car fully equipped with a computer and other equipment was destroyed. The car was worth about $45,000 to $50,000, she said.

"It's a paperweight," Landavazo said about the patrol car.


Wes Woods II can be reached by phone at (909) 483-9378 or by e-mail at wes.woods@dailybulletin.com.
http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_4514731