Long Beach Police Department investigators are asking for the public's help in finding a hit-and-run driver who slammed into a Los Angeles Police Department motorcycle officer Tuesday morning.
The crash, which occurred at about 10:16 a.m. at the corner of Second Street and Marina Drive, injured the officer as she drove to work, said Officer Israel Ramirez, a Long Beach Police Department spokesman.
The LAPD motorcycle officer was travelling east on Second Street in the number two lane when she was was hit from behind by the driver of a green Ford Explorer, Ramirez said.
"The lanes are reduced there due to construction, so there was very heavy traffic," Ramirez explained. "It looks like the (Explorer) tried to go down the right lane to avoid the traffic when he rear-ended the motor officer."
Long Beach Police and Long Beach Fire Department units were sent to the scene and fire department paramedics rushed the officer to a local hospital, where she was in stable condition, Ramirez said.
"They're still assessing her condition so we don't know (the extent) of her injuries," Ramirez said, noting that it did not appear as though she was critically hurt.
Police are now looking for the driver of the Explorer and are asking anyone who might have seen any portion of the crash to call 911 or the police department's non-emergency line, 562-435-6711.
"Any detail - a partial plate number or a better description of the vehicle, even if they think it's minor - can help," Ramirez said.
Witnesses can also call detectives in the Accident Investigation's detail, 562-570-7355.