CHP Identifies Officer Struck In Hit-And Run Crash On Interstate 80
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Officials in a hit and run of a California Highway Patrol officer are sending their gratitude to those who helped the officer at the scene, but especially a Sacramento Firefighter/Paramedic.
The California Highway Patrol identified the officer as Michael Ericson, a 17-year veteran with the CHP.
"Vehicles were stopping and a thing that struck me as odd was that people were turning in multiple directions and bailing out of their cars," said Sharon McIntyre with the Sacramento Fire Department.
McIntyre found herself at the forefront of the horrific crime scene on I80 while on her way to training. CHP said a man intentionally backed into an officer while stopped on the shoulder and took off.
McIntyre stopped immediately to help.
"At that time I recognized that a CHP officer had been down," she said.
McIntyre immediately used the officer's radio to call for help, Then jumped into action.
"She even stayed with the officer, leaving her personal vehicle in the center median," said Officer Tommy Riggin, spokesperson for CHP.
Shortly after the officer was rushed to UC Davis Medical Center, law enforcement began pouring in from all different agencies to show their support.
"I have no idea how he's doing, but I do want to be here for him," said Chad Hertzell with CHP.
"He's assigned to the North Sacramento office. He's one of motorcycle officers. They have a really tight knit group there, that I've been told, and again he's just a phenomenal officer, does his job, keeps the freeways moving, and make sure everybody safe. It's just disheartening that something like this can happen," said Officer Riggin.
They are grateful for the many people who stopped to help.
"What are you wearing a badge or not, there were a lot of community members there on scene today that responded in a way that I've never seen before it's far as moving in crowds to help out that officer and do the best that they could," said McIntyre.
