CHP investigating collision involving patrol vehicle and van in Merced

The California Highway Patrol is investigating a collision involving a CHP SUV and a van in Merced, according to authorities.

At about 6:44 p.m. Sunday a CHP officer was driving a CHP patrol SUV westbound on V Street near 14th Street when the vehicle was rear-ended by a van driven by a 38-year-old Merced man, according to CHP Officer Eric Zuniga. Authorities said the van was traveling in the lane directly behind the CHP vehicle when the collision occurred.

The collision caused moderate damage to both vehicles and no injuries were reported. According to Zuniga, the 47-year-old male officer has 12 years of service with the Merced-area CHP and remains on active duty.

The CHP said neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected as a factor in the collision which remains under investigation.