Santa Ana officer crashes; other driver accused of DUI

A Santa Ana police officer escaped injury Saturday night, March 20, when he collided with what police said was a drunken driver during a pursuit of a third vehicle.

At about 9:45 p.m., officers attempted to pull over a driver who was suspected of street racing in the 3000 block of South Fairview Street, Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said. The driver failed to pull over, and a pursuit began. The driver abandoned the vehicle in the 300 block of South Halladay Street and was arrested after a foot chase.

An officer responding to join the pursuit was in a collision at West Parton and South Highlands streets. The officer was not injured, and the driver of the other vehicle was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, Bertagna said. A passenger in that vehicle declined medical attention for a minor injury.