Police recruits on a run hit by car

An SUV traveling on the wrong side of the road struck 25 Los Angeles County sheriff ’s academy recruits on a training run around dawn Wednesday, critically injuring five of them, authorities said.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the range of the most serious injuries included head trauma, broken bones and “loss of limb.” The trainees included recruits for the Sheriff ’s Department and several local police agencies.

The crash investigation is being handled by the California Highway Patrol and “so far, it looks like it’s an accident, a horrific accident,” Villanueva said.

CHP Assistant Chief Charlie Sampson said about 75 recruits were running in formation northbound in the street when the southbound vehicle veered into the opposing lane and struck the victims.

Sampson said all possibilities, ranging from an intentional act to impaired driving, will be investigated.

The driver was identified only as a 22-year-old man from suburban Diamond Bar. The sheriff said a field sobriety test on the driver was negative. County Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Sheila Kelliher said the driver also had a minor injury.