Merced police officer injured in crash with SUV, authorities say

A Merced police officer was taken to a hospital with injuries on Wednesday after being involved in a vehicle collision, according to authorities.

The two-vehicle collision occurred at 18th and G streets at about 9 p.m., according to California Highway Patrol Officer Eric Zuniga. Authorities said the officer was driving a 2020 Dodge Charger east on 18th Street when it was struck in the left rear by a 2014 Jeep Cherokee driven south on G Street by a 28-year-old man from Live Oak.

Zuniga said the 31-year-old officer was transported to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The driver of the Jeep and his passenger refused medical treatment at the scene.

Merced Police Sgt. Nathan McKinnon did not release the officer’s name Thursday but said she has been with the department for just over two years.

“I have spoken with her,” said McKinnon. “She is sore, but she’ll recover.”

According to Zuniga, it is unknown if the officer was responding to a call or which vehicle had the right-of-way at the time of the collision. The CHP said neither drugs nor alcohol is suspected as a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Merced-area CHP office at 209-365-6600.

This story was originally published August 31, 2023 at 11:28 AM.