Officer crashes while on patrol

A Shafter police officer was involved in an accident while working on speed control near the Target Distribution Center Tuesday.

Officer Roman Nunez was traveling on Zachary Avenue and Fanucci Way when a vehicle turned left in front of his patrol cruiser at around 6:15 a.m.

Although earlier reports said the officer was chasing a speeding vehicle, Assistant Police Chief Diana Burnett clarified.

"He was working radar/speed control because of prior complaints," Burnett said. "He was attempting to catch up to a violator when a Honda turned left in front of him."

Nunez was taken to a local hospital for treatment after complaining of pain. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the Kern Medical Center.

Burnett said Nunez and the driver of the Honda were treated and released from a local hospital.

The California Highway Patrol reported the patrol vehicle had its lights on upon arrival, but it is unclear if the sirens were on at the time of the crash.

The investigation is being conducted by the California Highway Patrol.