Driver deliberately smashes into patrol car and flips it, California cops say

A California driver accelerated his car and rammed into a sheriff’s sergeant’s vehicle, flipping it on its side, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said.

The sergeant was transported to a local hospital after the Tuesday morning crash with minor injuries, officials said.

Frankie Avalos, the driver, allegedly sped up from behind the sergeant and rammed the back of the patrol car, officials said.

“The sergeant increased his speed and changed lanes, thinking the driver of the white sport utility vehicle had fallen asleep at the wheel or was driving under the influence,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. “Avalos accelerated once again and rammed the patrol vehicle a second time, causing it to spin out of control and flip onto its side.”

The sergeant was pinned inside the car after it flipped, officials said.

Deputies spotted Avalos’ car in Santa Paula, and he led them “on a high-speed pursuit,” according to the news release.

“Avalos ran from the vehicle, but was quickly tackled by pursuing deputies and arrested,” officials said.”Avalos was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for attempted murder, evading, hit & run, driving under the influence of drugs, and assault with a deadly weapon.”