Motorcycle Deputy Injured In Moreno Valley Crash, Driver Arrested

MORENO VALLEY, CA — A man was under arrest Sunday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer after he allegedly maneuvered his vehicle in a way that intentionally caused a motorcycle officer to crash in Moreno Valley, sheriff's officials said.

A deputy from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's Moreno Valley station attempted to stop a black Nissan Altima at around 9:30 a.m. Saturday for allegedly speeding on Perris Boulevard.

The driver, identified as Robert Washington, allegedly crashed into a white Chevrolet pickup truck at the intersection of Perris Boulevard and Eucalyptus Avenue. Washington then attempted to flee northbound on Perris, according to Deputy Chris Loucks.

Loucks said Washington intentionally and abruptly stopped his car while fleeing. The deputy involved attempted to avoid Washington's car, but the right side of the deputy's motorcycle collided with the rear of Washington's car, disabling his motorcycle.

Washington allegedly fled the scene of the second crash, but was detained by deputies near Perris and Webster Street.

The deputy on the motorcycle sustained minor injuries from the crash. Neither Washington nor the occupants of the first crash were injured.

Deputies later allegedly determined that Washington was driving under the influence of drugs. He was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, reckless evading law enforcement, driving under the influence of drugs and hit and run.

Anyone with additional information regarding the crashes was encouraged to contact Deputy Hutchins at 951-486-6727.