Driver Held After Allegedly Injuring 2 Sheriff’s Deputies

Two Pico Rivera sheriff’s deputies were injured Monday when a drunk driver struck one of the officers during a traffic stop, then collided with the other deputy’s patrol car a short time later, a sheriff’s spokesman said.

Hurt during the early morning incident were deputies Charles Rihbany, who suffered a broken ankle, and Craig Johnson, who received minor neck and leg injuries. Both were treated and released from a hospital.

According to sheriff’s reports, Juan Jose Camacho, 22, of Bellflower, the driver of the car that allegedly struck the deputies, was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run driving, evading arrest and drunk driving. Camacho, who was uninjured, remained in county jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Deputies said Rihbany was making a traffic stop in the 10500 block of Whittier Boulevard about 12:30 a.m. when a passing car struck the deputy and dragged him several feet. The motorist reportedly fled the scene.

A short time later, the same car almost hit several deputies as it sped through the area where Rihbany was hurt. Deputies gave chase for several blocks before the driver made a U-turn and collided head-on with Johnson’s car.